Author Topic: Doctor: ADHD Does Not Exist (Read 1579 times)

MechAg94 · « **on:** March 17, 2014, 03:47:38 PM »

http://time.com/?hpt=hp_t3#25370/doctor-adhd-does-not-exist/
What the Doctor actually says is this:

Quote

In short, I’ve come to believe based on decades of treating patients that ADHD — as currently defined by the DSM and as it exists in the public imagination — does not exist.

"As currently defined" is pretty important to the point. It isn't a very long article. I think he is basically saying that most severe ADHD cases have other causes and cases not so severe are not really ADHD and patients need to look at diet, exercise and sleep for help. At least that is sort of what I got out of it. What he says about how ADHD is defined is what really gets me a little torqued about the whole issue.

Scout26 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 17, 2014, 03:51:47 PM »

I think ADHD should be called "Being a pre-teen boy."

Jamisjockey · « **Reply #2 on:** March 17, 2014, 03:56:16 PM »

Quote from: scout26 on March 17, 2014, 03:51:47 PM

I think ADHD should be called "Being a pre-teen boy."

If it were only that simple. Put my boy even on meds next to a dozen other boys his age and it becomes pretty apparent something isn't right.

You've met the kid. Curious, bright, inquisitive. And literally unable to learn in a classroom without direct one on one attention and meds.

However, I do believe it's over-diagnosed. I've met more than my fair share of kids his age who their parents tell me the kids on meds, and I quickly realize it's a discipline problem not an ADHD issue.

Brad Johnson · « **Reply #3 on:** March 17, 2014, 04:06:16 PM »

Before anyone knee-jerks a reaction, be sure to read the article. In deference to the article's rather inflammatory title, the doctor doesn't say "there is no such thing as ADHD." What he says is that ADHD as it is currently being mass-diagnosed does not exist. He very clearly exempts those individuals with specific, carefully-diagnosed neurologic issues.

Brad

BlueStarLizzard · « **Reply #4 on:** March 17, 2014, 04:08:11 PM »

Quote from: scout26 on March 17, 2014, 03:51:47 PM

I think ADHD should be called "Being a pre-teen boy."

So now I'm a pre teen boy?

ADHD is real, thankyouverymuch. It is over diagnoised and suffers the cachet of being a illness dujour among the yuppie set parents. That's no reason to tell those of us who actually have it we have an imaginary illness.

(responce directed solely at scouts comment. I'll read the artical, brad)

Tallpine · « **Reply #5 on:** March 17, 2014, 04:08:39 PM »

I started to read the article but I got distracted.

BlueStarLizzard · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2014, 04:21:06 PM »

Intresting. However, he seemed to forget (as does everyone else) the focus issues go both ways, which was always (to my understanding) the key.

Unable to consentrate, unless it's something that really catches you're attention, which then becomes concentration to the exclusion of all else.
Which is why I was not diagnoised until I was 17. I was never hyperactive. I could sit for hours on end and read books (i still can) It took awhile (and a shrink who specialized in ADHD) to figure it out.

*shrug* I go about without the drugs and a lot of what he says (establishing certain routines, getting enough sleep) does help, but it doesn't get rid of my issues.

fifth_column · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2014, 04:27:37 PM »

I've never been diagnosed with ADHD, and I really don't have any particular symptoms. However, the focus comment made me want to share this:

I have laser-like focus, but calibration can be . . . time consuming . . .

roo_ster · « **Reply #8 on:** March 17, 2014, 04:32:19 PM »

Quote from: Tallpine on March 17, 2014, 04:08:39 PM

I started to read the article but I got distracted.

Shiny.

mtnbkr · « **Reply #9 on:** March 17, 2014, 04:39:37 PM »

Quote from: Roo_ster on March 17, 2014, 04:32:19 PM

Shiny.

Wrong meme.

Squirrel!

Chris

brimic · « **Reply #10 on:** March 17, 2014, 04:52:33 PM »

Quote

It is over diagnoised and suffers the cachet of being a illness dujour among the yuppie set parents.

That.Right there.
The more affluent the parents, the more likely they will try to find horrible afflictions in their kids that need medication.
Me growing up (poor)- "Dad, I think I might need to go to the Dr, there's a bone sticking out of the wrist, and the bleeding won't stop"
Dad: "rub some dirt on it and quit whining." *

*exaggerating a little, but not much.