Why is ADHD controversial?

ADHD has become a controversial topic: some experienced clinicians and specialists believe the condition isn't adequately recognised, and so many children are not being diagnosed. Others claim parents are pushing too hard to get their children a label and it's over-diagnosed.

Why Is ADHD a controversial disorder?

Positions range from the view that ADHD is within the normal range of behavior to the hypothesis that ADHD is a genetic condition. Other areas of controversy include the use of stimulant medications in children, the method of diagnosis, and the possibility of overdiagnosis.

Why is ADHD so stigmatized?

Variables identified to contribute to stigma in ADHD are public's uncertainty concerning the reliability/validity of an ADHD diagnosis and the related diagnostic assessment, public's perceived dangerousness of individuals with ADHD, socio-demographical factors as age, gender, and ethnicity of the respondent or the ...

What is the problem with ADHD?

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active.

Is ADHD a disorder debate?

Given a wealth of evidence, the National Institute of Mental Health has concluded that ADHD is a real medical condition. So has the American Psychological Association, which includes ADHD in its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the bible of mental-health professionals.

Why Is ADHD Controversial? | ADHD: Out of Control Kids | Real Families

Is ADHD a true disorder Why or why not?

Some of the most prestigious scientific-based organizations in the world conclude that ADHD is a real disorder with potentially devastating consequences when not properly identified, diagnosed and treated. Research has demonstrated that ADHD has a very strong neurobiological basis.

Why is ADHD overdiagnosed?

The causes of overdiagnosis may include changes in diagnostic thresholds, poor diagnostic practices, and advertising by the pharmaceutical industry. Overdiagnosis leads to overtreatment, and dramatic increases in prescriptions for adult ADHD during the last decade should arouse concern.

Is ADHD caused by trauma?

Many people think that ADHD is a result of trauma, but is it true? The answer is yes, but more for some people than others. The truth is that 90% of the time ADHD is not caused by trauma, but if the trauma is extreme enough, it can cause severe ADHD-like symptoms.

Is ADHD a serious mental illness?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a severe mental illness, associated with major impairment and a high comorbidity rate. Particularly undiagnosed ADHD in adulthood has serious consequences. Thus, a valid diagnosis is important.

Can ADHD cause lack of emotion?

Research shows that many people with ADHD have trouble with emotional regulation, experiencing symptoms such as low frustration tolerance, impulsivity, temper outbursts, and significant mood fluctuations.

How are people with ADHD portrayed?

People with ADHD are often portrayed as drugseeking, antisocial, dangerous or malingering, while others portray ADHD as a 'disease' manufactured by healthy people wishing to enhance cognitive performance with stimulants.

How does the media portray ADHD?

Children and teens with ADHD are often depicted as disruptive and unable to follow even simple distractions. Their stories are often tied into cautionary tales about Ritalin (a common drug prescribed for ADHD) and its potential for abuse.

How do you break the stigma of ADHD?

Stigmas can be harmful and cause shame, leading to a lack of treatment. Educating people about ADHD is an effective way to reduce stigma. You can share your personal stories about what living with ADHD looks like so that people have a better grasp of your experience.

Why is the prescription of medication for students with ADHD controversial?

The prescription of stimulant medication for children with ADHD has been one of the most controversial issues in child psychiatry. Some sectors have demonized stimulant medication, charging that parents and physicians are being grossly negligent in prescribing such “dangerous” drugs.

Is ADHD a social construct?

Hyperactivity is neither a social construct nor a genetic disease. The professional task is to understand how genetic and social influences interact, not to simplify into a polemic.

Is ADHD a fad?

The tripling of ADHD rates in the last 20 years and skyrocketing use of stimulants are sure signs of a fad.

Is ADHD a form of retardation?

Abstract. Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition in children with mental retardation (MR), with a prevalence rate of between 4 and 15%.

Is ADHD an insanity?

Although ADHD falls into the defined category of mental illness, it's most often referred to as a disorder, even by the American Psychiatric Association. As these terms are sometimes used interchangeably in clinical settings, ADHD can be described as a mental illness and a disorder.

Is ADHD considered autism?

Answer: Autism spectrum disorder and ADHD are related in several ways. ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other.

What do ADHD brains lack?

ADHD brains have low levels of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is linked arm-in-arm with dopamine. Dopamine is the thing that helps control the brain's reward and pleasure center. The ADHD brain has impaired activity in four functional regions of the brain.

Are you born with ADHD or do you get it?

ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.

How PTSD looks like ADHD?

There are several overlapping symptoms between PTSD and ADHD, including concerns with executive functioning and restlessness. There also are some defining differences, such as intrusive memories and flashbacks. Comorbidity estimates among ADHD and PTSD range from roughly 12% to 37% across the lifespan.

Is ADHD the most misdiagnosed?

ADHD is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed disorders worldwide. Although the number of children wrongly diagnosed with ADHD is unknown, there is evidence to prove the misdiagnosis.

Why is ADHD on the Rise?

Rather, based on careful research using data from the National Survey of Children's Health conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), he finds evidence that the higher rates of diagnosis in the United States are due to the education system and government policies dictating academic standards.

Is ADHD too easily diagnosed?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Left untreated, it can disrupt… ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood but can easily be missed.