Comments on: Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder: Myth or Reality?

By: Aimee Stafford

Aimee Stafford — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:59:17 +0000

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By: Bob Roper

Bob Roper — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 10:02:06 +0000

I think we should be open minded about whether ADHD truly exists or not. I am not at all an expert on the subject but the one thing that strikes me is that the world has changed so much in the last 50 years. The question I would ask and I am not sure of the answer at the moment is – is ADHD a product of the environment that we live in or is it a product of the person themselves? – the parents and children are a lot more stressed than 50 years ago, rush around, try and cope with machines and ever increasing changes in technology, are bombarded with all sorts of stimuli on their senses, so many changes have happened so quickly we cannot be sure of all the affects this has had on mankind physically and mentally at this stage.

By: ADADDY

ADADDY — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:39:40 +0000

ITS JUST ANOTHER EXCUSE FOR THE DRUG LOBBYIST TO PUSH THEIR DRUGS ON OUR KIDS. HOW ABOUT KIDS GOING OUT TO PLAY FOR A FEW HOURS AFTER SCHOOL AND RELEASING SOME OF THAT PENT UP ENERGY. INSTEAD THEY SIT ON THEIR IPHONES,COMPUTERS, TV, CELL PHONES. SO WHEN THEY ACT UP THEY HAVE ADD OR ADHD..

By: NewYorker8307

NewYorker8307 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:54:42 +0000

I agree with approach of the article Kimberly and Dr Joe’s comments as well. I do believe that these so-called ‘issues’ would be rewarded in some countries and that these labels would otherwise be a ‘gift’ in some societies. When I was younger, I would have fit within the criteria of several of these labels. My wife still calls me a few of them now and then. I know many others who I have watched over the years that also would have also been ‘labeled’ BUT we are all thriving and successful. I wonder what these labels and treatments would have done to us had they not been recognized as something acceptable at the time (1980’s). I have a friend whose son in 5th grade used a scissor the ‘wrong way’ (he held it down instead of up) and they had a parent meeting, called the occupational therapist and had a meeting with the child, his parents and the quasi-medical expert panel at the school who said he needed occupational therapy. When he showed me how his son used this, it was actually more comfortable and safe. I told this story to a professor I work with in Hong Kong who teaches innovation and he laughed and said “In China or India, they would use that experience to design a better scissor for children”…. and they would probably make millions. Innovation, free thinking and creative thought was once this countries greatest asset and we have now transplanted so much of it outside our borders while suppressing our future artists, designers, scientists and innovators. I wonder what 20 years from now will look like.

By: Kimberly (healthgavel)

Kimberly (healthgavel) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:36:58 +0000

As a therapist working very closely with children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD I have seen first hand the results of medication for these children. It makes them physically present, but mentally somewhere else. It may make them sit still for an extended period of time, but that does not mean that their intellectual ability is working to its full capacity. The word “treatment” is often automatically associated with medicine, however there are many other effective, alternative treatments for children with ADHD that require no medication at all such as positive behavioral therapy, self-monitoring techniques, token systems (more so for the younger children), increased opportunity for physical and hands-on ativities, providing an “understimulating” environment with minimal distractors for improved education, minimizing sugar intake and even some dietary restrictions. As educators, parents and therapists, it is our job to be creative provide outlets for these children to learn to express themselves appropriately.

By: Stacey

Stacey — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:24:05 +0000

I have many students who have a difficult time sitting still for an enitre period and who have a great amount of energy. Many people automatically want to say that the kids are ADD/ADHD and are quick to label. However, like you stated, many of these behaviors are normal behaviors for children. But it is true that when this behavior negatively effects a childs learning or socialization, further investigation should take place. Great article!

By: Dr Joe

Dr Joe — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:57:41 +0000

As is often the case with ADHD two separate issues become confused with each other. There are a number of children who have needs which are not catered for by the education system.It does not suit these children to sit still for long periods-they learn by doing.Society does not necessarily cater for their differences either-until they become famous or rich.
Many successful entrepreneurs and artists would be today labeled ADHD if they were in school.
The fact that their behaviours may be challenging or that they have needs which the education system cant or wont provide does NOT mean they have an illness and it dos NOT mean they need drugs.
Lets be clear — these children and their families may need support and help in catering to their needs and letting the children shine in their own way. Please do not label them as diseased and give them a mind altering drug so as to make them more docile or “conforming”
The “disease” is not in the children,it is in a society that craves conformity and will not cater to, or respect that not all children are the same

By: elle

elle — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:46:28 +0000

Very informative, Kim. I have seen friends and family experience the heartache and frustration of not having the support needed for the treatment of their own children. With new data and information so readily available now,they are not alone. This is a very real condition, and these kids need all the help,understanding and patience we can give them.

By: Dan

Dan — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:50:11 +0000

I think its all mostly made up by drug companies and doctors and its not as widespread as it seems. Do I think its real ? YES. Do I think that a child who may want to throw a paper airplane in class or be disruptive at times should be diagnosed and drugged ? NO. Why don’t they have these issues elsewhere in the world? Is it because parents aren’t looking for excuses and not everyone there can afford the drugs?

By: Erin

Erin — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:11:04 +0000

This is such a relevant topic today. I have very limited knowledge of these kinds of disorders and don’t know too many children with ADD or ADHD nor do I have children, but still I have heard so many times (too many times) that it’s not legit, or that it’s a convenient solution. What I do know is that the parents and teachers that actually spend time with these kids and see patterns in their behavior are the real authorities here. The more aware we can be about attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, the more we can nurture these children to work with their strengths so we can minimize the struggles and see all the brilliance that these kids have.