Does anyone else feel that ADD/ADHD is a made-up disease?

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   Jonesy0311posted 12 years ago

   Does anyone else feel that ADD/ADHD is a made-up disease?
   
   You can't even find a cogent diagnostic method in the Psychological DSM manual for this "disorder." Also, it is impossible to distinguish a kid with ADD from a gifted or brilliant child. Is it a scheme to make money by pushing drugs on kids that aren't even healthy for adults?

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2. 75

   cathylynn99posted 12 years ago

   i think it's real. when i used to practice adult medicine, i had a few patients who really improved on stimulants. that said, i think it's overdiagnosed. any behavior problems or school difficulties are thrown into the ADHD wastebasket. i have two young relatives who take stimulants. i'd love to convice their parents that family counseling would be a better option. i was given a tentative diagnosis of ADHD twice. turns out i have aspergers instead.

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3. 60

   IntuitiveMindposted 12 years ago

   I'm with you. In part, I think it's another way for pharmaceutical companies to make an infinite amount of money selling these unsafe, unnecessary drugs for children.  Children who have ADD/ADHD can also be treated holistically with a better diet, more exercise and by more stimulating activities. In addition, these children may need extra attention from their parents and there could also be some underlying psychological issues that drugs won't cure. Knowing your child and being a parent who is "present" for their child is very important as well.  I would not want to give my child any drug, let alone the drugs prescribed for ADHD.

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4. 60

   seichepreyposted 12 years ago

   Yes, I have to agree with you.  I think that some people may have a little bit of difficulty paying attention at times, but that doesn't mean they should get a hand out.  I definitely think it's another scam, Jonesy.

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5. 58

   autumn18posted 12 years ago

   It's not made up and it's not a disease. Just like anything I think adults with it and parents of kids with it need to be careful and really understand how to deal with it. Treatment doesn't always have to involve medication but in many cases medication can help.

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   seedlingstrangeposted 11 years ago

   Yes. For a long time, I didn't think so. But then, a few months ago, I was diagnosed with it. I have since started taking medication, and nearly everything in my life has improved--my grades, my organizational skills, everything.
   
   It might be difficult to understand, but ADHD is definitely real. It has to do with the prefrontal cortex, and executive functions. I do think it might be overdiagnosed in children, but I am living proof that it exists.

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   Say Yes To Lifeposted 10 years ago

   I don't believe it's made up, but I do believe it is diagnosed WAY too often.  A lot of times, so-called ADHD can be cured by exercise, and cutting back on stimulants, especially in children who shouldn't be consuming caffeine.

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