Isn’t ADHD the Creation of Pharmaceutical Companies? What About Doctors Who Say It Isn’t Real?
There are many misleading headlines making claims such as a famous psychiatrist reveals there is no such thing as ADHD.
The headline is real, but either the words of the doctor are highly manipulated, or further investigation of the article will show us that the doctor doesn’t think ADHD is a fake disorder, but that he feels the current definition and the name of the disorder itself are erroneous.
Claims also abound that pharmaceutical companies invented the disorder to sell pills. The media perpetuates this myth and keeps the argument of whether or not ADHD is real.
The truth is that ADHD was identified in medical books long before the advent of ADHD medications.
The bottom line is that if someone is a non-believer, you can point them toward the science, but that doesn’t mean you can convert them.
It Is Important to Have Accurate Information
In a sea of misinformation, it’s important to look for yourself and make informed decisions about what you do or do not believe in.
Too many factors are involved in ADHD for there to be a one size fits all diagnosis or treatment plan.
Even brain scans can be ineffective for diagnostic purposes. There are noticeable differences, but scientists are unsure of what areas of the brain to study for those differences.
Results of brain imaging also vary based on clinicians, culture, and country. Looking at brain waves and patterns is a more objective way of evaluating, but they are just one tool in diagnosis, and as of yet mostly unapproved.
If you are interested in learning more about ADHD, there are several places you can start.
Find Out More
- Your doctor. It may sound simplistic, but your doctor is an excellent source of information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to ask for book or website recommendations.
- National Institute for Mental Health. Their website covers a broad range of mental health topics as well as information and articles on ADHD.
- Websites like Science Daily or Psychology Today have articles and blog posts on ADHD.
- American Psychiatric Association.
- Psychiatry Advisor. This site is another source for ADHD information.
- Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is an excellent resource for all things about ADHD.
The list of resources for information on ADHD could go on and on. The above resources can be a great jumping off point and lead you to other sources of information as well.
You can find a great many blogs dedicated to ADHD and other mental and mood disorders as well as websites, articles, books, and magazines.
Just remember to dig deeper into any article with sensationalistic headlines to discover the truth for yourself. Anyone can create a blog or a video and post it online.
Consider the source of what you come across and ask yourself:
- Is this person a credible source of information?
- What training or experience do they have with ADHD?
- Are they stating a fact or perpetuating stigma?
Ultimately, no one can decide for you whether or not you believe ADHD is real, but if like me, you live with it, you certainly don’t need convincing.
I just hope this answers your question about "Is ADHD real?"
Resources
Healthline (Can a Brain With ADHD Look Different?)
American Psychiatric Association (What is ADHD?)
National Institute of Mental Health (ADHD)
Psychology Today (The Truth About ADHD. Do you Know the Current Scientific Fact About ADHD?)
Center for Disease Control (ADHD)
Psychiatry Advisor (Estimates of ADHD Prevalence Worldwide Differ Significantly)
Science Daily (First Direct Evidence that ADHD is a Genetic Disorder)
World Psychiatry (The Worldwide Prevalence of ADHD: is it an American Condition?)
