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ADHD: Not Just An American Invention
By Rory Stern | January 27, 2009
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One of the biggest MYTHS or conspiracies about ADHD is that it is an American invention. Whether it’s the belief that ADHD was created by pharmaceutical companies to make a lot of money or the need to excuse poor parenting or bad behavior in children — the inaccurate information about ADHD can be incredibly overwhelming.
It’s The Same In Australia
According to a recent article about ADHD being under-diagnosed in Australia, the same issues or conspiracies exist down under as well.
- People suggest it’s being over-diagnosed
- It’s a “modern” condition / disease
- There’s no biological test to diagnose ADHD
- “We all have a little ADHD some of the time”
- And on and on it goes…
What’s different about this article is that it provides support for people who face similar challenges across the world. I’ll say, for the record, that ADHD does NOT always have to be a problem. In fact, the more and more I learn about ADHD — the more I am convinced that it is NOT always a disorder, deficit, or weakness.
There are plenty of people with ADHD who are incredibly happy and successful with what they have achieved in life. In fact, there are plenty of people living with ADHD who are more happy and successful than your average, ordinary person.
Let’s Look At Depression
This article makes a great point that we don’t dispute the existence of depression, yet there is also “no biological test” to confirm it. The author also points out that depression absolutely exists on a continuum or spectrum just like ADHD.
Therefore, like depression, ADHD symptoms do exist in many of us, BUT what separates ADHD from “behaviors” is the defining characteristic of ADHD creating “significant impairment” in someone’s life.
No Matter What You Believe…
No matter what you believe about ADHD, one thing is certain: People are struggling with something that is very real in their lives. You might deny it’s ADHD… You might want to call it “bad parenting…” or a child who just needs to exercise.
While I totally disagree with you, let’s at least accept that there are children (and adults) who are struggling with very real challenges.
Tell Us What You Think!
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Topics: ADHD, Awareness | No Comments »