ADHD - true or a myth?

i read somewherethat ADHD is a myth, which I was completely against because I was diagnosed with it froma young age. I was just wondering, what do you all think about this controversial area in the medical field?

I have ADHD, but unfortunately I do not know anyone else who does. I would love to have a friend with ADHD.

ADHD is definately not a myth, but it is a common belief that ADHD is a bad thing. Looking at the symptons of ADHD, there are so many good things about it. True, there are hyperactive people and bad people who don't have it (don't get me wrong, I'm not saying people with ADHD are bad people). Some people just don't want to accept that we have a reason for being energetic and fun.

ADHD = not a myth.

I do not understand why you would ask on here whether add was a myth or not. There is very little "controversy" in the medical field, considering that every major medical institution has accepted it. I understand that people have a hard time believing in something that they cannot see. However, the brain is a complicated thing and the people who dedicate their lives to working on solutions should be listened to. There may be some over diagnosis in some places, but it is a fact that there is an under diagnosis in many area's of the country. For example, many adults are coming to the conclusion that they have ADD when they go and get their kids tested. The most interesting thing is that ADD Subtype PI is only diagnosed 1/3 as many times as ADHD Subtype C. Since ADD does not have the hyperactivity it makes it harder to be diagnosed/seen. So, in my opinion, their is another 2/3 of the estimated 10% total population that does not even know they have ADD.

This is where I have a problem with all these people spreading disinformation. The main place handing out disinformation on add is Scientology, but you'll find people just as dumb on places like this. I understand people not understanding what ADD is, but why do they come out and say it does not exist when they obviously do not know what they are talking about?

And as for people like Kevin M1, yeah let's revert as much as possible back to "rugged individualism." Let's take back the ideas made popular by men like Benjamin Spock, so that when a baby is crying you leave it alone because the world is tough and letting your baby know that at an early age will make them tough too. I guess since you don't remember any counseling being done after WWII then it didn't happen. But then how did they come up with the term shell shock to begin with if no one went to a psychologist. If anyone is interested in seeing the hell that was WWII, watch John Houston's documentary The Battle of San Pietro. So yeah, let's create a harsh environment where we can completely shut off our emotional responses to others, and develop an environment like Germany after WWI and give rise to another Hitler.

Sorry, got off topic. Best of luck with your survey

True.
Worked with a boy with ADHD, he had to cope with ; never getting invited round to other kids houses, always being in trouble in school, always being in the bottom class even though he was very intelligent, being sent away to his grandparents for months at a time because his mother couldnt cope and knowing HE was the reason she was ill, he couldnt sleep until 2 or 3 am every night and had to fight to control the urge to run at a wall every day... such a sad little boy.

..an excuse to behave badly? I think not.

I think ADHD is real, both my brother and dad have been diagnosed and the symptoms are as clear as day. However, I also believe that there are a lot of mental disorders that share symptoms so people may go years getting treated with ADHD when in fact that have that plus something else. I don't know, there's so much stuff out there right now it's hard to keep track. I'm personally against plugging kids full of drugs to cure their ADHD. It's been my experience that that can actually make it worse. Docs will do anything to make money from the drug biz. If you're ever in LA, check out the Museum of Death on Sunset. It gives a great presentation of what modern day prescription drugs have done to our society. There's a pill for everything! I see a Naturopathic Doctor for my stuff and have found much success. I don't want to be a medicated zombie. I do think ADHD is real. There's a lot of kooks in that field, just my opinion.

I think its a myth. When I was small you were just called a little brat and got a clip round the ear. These days kids are so precious and excuses are made up for them. And then there is counselling if the little dears get upset. Again when I was small the Germans used to fly over and try to kill me each night but I don't remember any counselling being offered. Its time to take back the initiative from the young and put order and discipline into their lives.
I am sure this answer will receive many thumbs down from the PC brigade but I don't care!

Too many people jump on the "bandwagon" for this complaint. It is genuine, but has been "overkilled" by slow learners or children who simply could not give a damn. Also some schools get extra input if they have children who they can put into this category. I feel sorry for the genuine ADHD children, who are few and far between.

It is real. My 14 year old brother has been diagnosed with ADHD. He is always hyper and can become very moody. It is not his fault he is like that and a lot of people are ignorant towards him including the staff at his school because they don't believe it exists.

it is so true..

where did it say it was a myth? i'd like to read it..

and actually, it isn't a very controversial area in the medical field. The only problems they have are the numerous amounts of misdiagnosing.

I'd have to say that it's a myth. I think that some children are just hyper, but there isn't a disease, disability, or anything accredited to this behaviour. Children aren't born crazy, they're raised crazy.

Just mein 2 cents.

It's very real. However, it's probably over-diagnosed and likely there are kids on meds for it who don't really need to be.

Over diagnosed.

I will start laughing if someone says 'indigo children'

I think it's over-diagnosed.

Total bollocks. An excuse for bad behaviour.

And I should know. Ive behaved badly in my time and made lots of excuses.

it's totally true!

Most cases a myth.