ADD/ADHD real or a hoax?

what do you believe, is ADD/ADHD a real disease or a hoax made up by psychiatrists in order to get money out of people?

i never said i didn't think that add/adhd wasn't real, i just put this question up because it's a subject that gets debated a lot. although i think as a disease it gets overdiagnosed in children and that drugs like ritalin are getting overprescribed. seriously, can't people think of other alternatives to solving things rather than constalnty using a drug that can have some serious side effects. i'm saying this because one of my friends when i was younger was diagnosed w/ adhd and was using ritalin and she totally changed. i swear it was like talking to a vegetable, instead of being the active energetic girl who was always involved in conversation. on top of that she didn't even pay attention better in class, it was like she couldn't pay attention because she felt really sleepy. so that's just what i think.

It's as real as most other mental illnesses, at least when restricted to children, and when diagnosed correctly using DSM IV TR criteria (or ICD, whichever). Problem is, most doctors don't bother to go through the trouble to diagnose correctly, so all bad kids get the diagnosis. When extended to adults, yes, it basically meaningless. It's not psychiatrists spreading it, however. It's the general public self-diagnosing and reporting symptoms to account for their weaknesses and justify taking stimulants. Doctors are just careless with it.
I will say though that I've had a few clients who generally have a legitimate problem with attention that affects their schoolwork, and I do think some people deserve some type of help with that.

It's definitely real but over and misdiagnosed out the wazoo. Unfortunately b/c of all the misdiagnoses, people are starting to question with it's even a valid "disease" I feel bad for the kids who actually have it b/c I'm sure they are not given the proper treatment they require in order to learn properly and cope socially.

Maybe you are right in that it is overdiagnosed. A recent article in the New York times said that the drug industry had done a marvellous job in marketing ADHD. Doctors paid as consultants who gave glowing reports of the drugs used for ADHD and so on. It is quite an eye opener that article. I can well believe your story about the girl on Ritalin. These drugs are addictive and have some nasty side effects like losing appetite, insomnia and lots of other things. A much safer bet would be to use a natural remedy.

I think it's real. I have 2 nieces who have ADHD and one is on medications. It did wonders for her, she isn't doped up like some doctors do to kids, but this medication has calmed her down a lot. I do think that sometimes when kids are acting hyper or are unable to concentrate in school the parents automatically think something is wrong with them and take them to see a doctor.

Having dealt with ADD my entire life, I'm 52, I very strongly believe it is real. It is not a disease by definition. Some experts say it is not even a disorder. They call it a syndrome. What's the difference? I haven't a clue. However, I do know that once I began taking Ritalin in the 10th grade, my ability to stay focused in classes at school and even on the playing field improved greatly. And now, a mildly tasteless ADD joke...Q: How many kids with ADD does it take to change a light bulb? A: Hey look - a dog!

I think it is very, very real. Many people suffer from it and have many everyday problems from it. And I don't think psychiatrist could make up an entire disease and get away with it.

It's real. It's also an overused label.

Before the label was created, kids had attention disorders. But instead of prescribing drugs, parents took control of the situation themselves.

Very real. My best friend has ADHD and my brother has ADD. When they do not take their medication you can tell something is wrong. When they do take it they feel normal and happier.

real definatly real i have adhd and i know its real yesterday i didnt have my meds and i wasnt like i had my meds and i even gave myself a swirlie at school deffinatly not a hoax

i think psychiatrists made it up to get money. it's normal for children for children to not pay attention. as for the adults, i think their just stupid

Very real. My daughter has ADHD and the meds have worked miracles for her. Not every med works for every child so you may have
to find the correct one, and the right dosage.

I think it is real but also a money maker. I work and live near people who have blank stares n their face and do not read body language. The drug companies love it too, it is a win win!!!

Clearly, you have never been in close relationship (family, friend, employee) with one who has one of those conditions.

extreamly real, i had ADHD i take Adderall for it, when i dont take my adderall im out of control.

I know someone with ADHD and it is definitely real. I can see how it could be over diagnosed, but in no way a hoax at all.

That **** is real.
My meds saved my life and I'm not gonna let anyone tell me ADD isn't real.