Does ADHD 'Exist'? 116 replies

WikiAttention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or Hyperkinetic Disorder as officially known in the UK though ADHD is more commonly used, is generally considered to be a developmental disorder, largely neurological in nature, affecting about 5% of the world's population. The disorder typically presents itself during childhood, and is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity, as well as forgetfulness, poor impulse control or impulsivity, and distractibility

Do you think Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder actually exists as a condition, or do you think it is the result of combining excessively spirited children with sub-standard parenting skills and lack of discipline?

Like Dyslexia, many 'experts' are doubting it's integrity as a diagnosable medical condition that can be cured with drug therapy.

This is something I've thought about for quite a while and wanted to hear what others thought about it. The pertinence in putting this up for debate was the publicity it's also currently receiving in the media.

I think it does exist. In many ways, before I met a number of ADHD kids and my mom as a teacher comes into contact with the regularly.

The trough question is - how severe is their condition. From experience I know, that many of them learn to slack, since they know they cannot fail a class.

But yes, it does exist.

I don't trust Wiki's with any "real life" related information, Wiki's are written by people, the person doing that writing has their own opinions etc.

When it comes down to medical matters I will only ever trust what I'm reading if it's not internet content.

GavLike Dyslexia, many 'experts' are doubting it's integrity as a diagnosable medical condition that can be cured with drug therapy.

I'm not keen on that notion, Dyslexia is a real condition.

Although drugs don't fix it.

Well, ADHD is (supposedly) marked by poor memory retention. I have no idea how bad parenting can cause someone to have a poor memory.

Well ADHD just isn't poor memory, hence the word HYPER in there Children with ADHD are just wild and hard to control or just hell can keep foucus on one thing bascily all over the place. this is a good site NIMH · ADHD · Complete Publication I should know about ADHD I have mild case of it myself, Gav you sound like my dad about 12 years ago when I was told by the doctors I have ADHD he didn't beilive it was real and that I was just lazy or didn't want to learn. You ever see a kid Snowballed (over-medicated) on Riddel (SP) before? there like Zombies...For me I think Drugs are good for Adults not for kids.

as well as forgetfulness

Wiki may be inaccurate at times, but it's not that wrong.

AdmiralHocking;4055301I don't trust Wiki's with any "real life" related information, Wiki's are written by people, the person doing that writing has their own opinions etc.[/quote] Well this isn't about how reliable/unreliable a Wiki article is as a source. Go to any medical website and you will see a definition of ADHD similar to that quoted in my post. This is quoted from a medical book I have;

Many young children are naturally restless and full of energy. ADHD - which is also known as hyperkinetic disorder - defines a type of behaviour at the extreme end of the normal range of behaviour. Children with ADHD demonstrate problem levels of:

• inattention (ie difficulty concentrating)
• hyperactivity (disorganised, fidgeting, excessive levels of activity)
• impulsive behaviour

Although estimates vary depending on the exact criteria used, ADHD is thought to affect about two to five percent of school-age children in England. It is at least four times more common in boys than girls.

[quote=Sa Anupuw]Gav you sound like my dad about 12 years ago when I was told by the doctors I have ADHD he didn't beilive it was real and that I was just lazy or didn't want to learn.

I don't actually know what to believe. Some individuals show the signs of an obvious problem, whilst others use ADHD as an excuse to cover up their childs' behaviour problems, for example. Which is usually why ADHD is often questioned as a medical condition.

Mr.Gav;4055429 I don't actually know what to believe. Some individuals show the signs of an obvious problem, whilst others use ADHD as an excuse to cover up their childs' behaviour problems, for example. Which is usually why ADHD is often questioned as a medical condition.

A behaviour problem most likely has occured due to an over/under active nerve system. Not as a whole, but just certain impulses. The problem here is how you define 'behaviour'. If you relate it to your upbringing, then it is the fault of the parents, or whatever has influenced the child. If you use 'behaviour' to mean how a child acts regardless of upbringing, then it is a chemical problem in the body. Just as anyone can be come stressed, angry, distant etc, a person who shows signs of above-normal levels of these will be like that as a result of the body's chemicals. All drugs are doing is blocking the impulses which cause these feelings of being stressed, tired, angry, lazy etc.

Memory Retention must be developed at a very young age. It involves giving the child proper stimulus. Playing, talking, tickling, and repetitious activities being done WITH a parent, increase the ability to retain memory. I don't remember the exact details,... It also involves the quality of food eaten. Some modern processed foods, and homogenized milk can contain chemicals that reduce the development of the brain. Some, or all of those can affect Memory Retention.

Ritalin, a drug commonly used to treat ADHD also hampers the development of the brain. Ritalin not "Riddle".

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My brothers are ADD, and ADHD. And they were very hyper growing up. Getting Angry, and fighting a lot.As for being Hyper. In the last couple of years, I have learned that I am hyper, and that "Smart" ADHD children manage to trick the doctor into thinking they are not ADHD. My co-workers say I am "Monster" on Speed, and that I should not start drinking caffeine.

In addition, in the move "The Fast and the Furious", the mechanic says that he is ADHD, but can focus on a specific task, which calms him. That task is being a mechanic. I've also noticed that I have a certain mild tendency towards impulsiveness. Except for Anger. I have very good control over my temper.

While I am more comfortable moving quickly, and dividing my focus between tasks. I do have the ability to slow down, an focus on a single task. To take my time. I do think it is more difficult for me to do one thing at a time. To just focus on a single task. I need to multi-task. I've always assumed it was an inner need for increased productivity, but perhaps it is ADHD? I'm left with a chicken, or the egg question.

Given recent experiences, it is entirely possibly that I could qualify as ADHD. Yet they could never diagnose me. I've been tested before. It is entirely possible that I have gained a level of self control, that most ADHD children have not developed. If I am ADHD, then it is something that can be controlled, if a child is taught how to control it.

Or I may have just picked up some ADHD tendencies from my younger brothers,...

Or the last possibility, the teachers got my brothers diagnosed as ADHD, just because they were so hyper, and would not behave. In which case, the teacher could use Ritalin to turn them into Zombies.

GavWell this isn't about how reliable/unreliable a Wiki article is as a source. Go to any medical website and you will see a definition of ADHD similar to that quoted in my post. This is quoted from a medical book I have...

That's not quite what I meant.

Anyway I do believe that the condition exists, however I'm not a believer in using drugs to treat everything. Although as I've not got a child with ADHD I cannot say if I would want him/her to take drugs for it.