Does ADD/ADHD really exist or is it a term used to sell treatments?

Answer 1

I would bet money that at least 3/4s of the kids who have been diagnosed don't actually have ADD or ADHD. It is really over diagnosed, which is terrible. Kids are supposed to be active, and when parents pump them full of sugar and let them stay up until 10 every night then of course they are going to have a hard time focusing and staying still. I do however believe that it does exist. I don't think medication is the answer.

Answer 2

Like the first response said...the brain scans of a person with ADD look different from that of a "normal" person. It definitely exists and is a neurological disorder that can cause enormous amounts of difficulty in a person's life. It is more than just being hyper. Not everyone with ADD has excessive hyperactivity (more boys than girls do.) There are more symptoms than that to the diagnosis which are generally consistent over a long period of time.

Now, is it over-diagnosed? Possibly. And I think that is unfortunate because it makes the general population shake their heads and assume the whole thing is not even real. But if you have ADHD or have a child who does, or both, you know it is real. There is no doubt that something is amiss. I think medication is important in managing it, but should not be the first resort and I think doctors are tending to be too quick to hand out these prescriptions.

Answer 3

Yes I believe it does exist but not as much as people think. I have 4 children and the eldest was add or hyperactive whichever you want to call it. The other three were all fine. I think a lot of people who claim their kids are ADD are really just scared to discipline them or the kids are just bored. Most kids are just normal active kids who have heaps of energy. Just because a kid runs around all day doesn't mean they're ADD.

Answer 4

Who knows, I mean my boys were over active and when we were little back in the 70's they just called us active, they didn't diagnose us with ADD/ ADHD...also, they now lump people into new diseases, Gosh I can't think of the term they use, but it's basically aches and pains, which I think is giving hypochondriacs a medical term in which to say something is wrong. Whatever....and who knows?

Answer 5

It does exist, and those who truly have it do have some serious struggles. That being said, it is grossly and sadly overused as a diagnosis. It gets thrown around at every kid who misbehaves or is the slightest bit non-conforming in the classroom. My favorite being when school principals tell parents that's what their children have.........since when have they become doctors and become licensed to diagnose???? And yes, you're right, the drug companies love every minute of it to boost their sales.

Answer 6

It really exists. My son has it and through thorough testing we found that yes he has it. If you were to look at PET brain scan you could see the differnce between brains with ADD and those that don't have it. Also if you live with an ADD person you can tell that it is real once they have been diagnosed and you learn what it really is. My daughter was tested at her teachers request and she does not have it but carries a diagnosis of ADD tendencies so it is important to get thorough testing for it to be sure you get accurate results. I do think many people are not tested thoroughly and it is over diagnosed but with proper testing it is easy to recognize once you know what it really is.

Answer 7

it is real. i just did a project on this in fact i have so much information on this topic it is insane. i have adhd and it is a real thing. sometimes kids get kisdiagnosed tho . if you want more info i have plenty. message me and ill give all of it to u

Answer 8

yah its real i happen 2 have it and it sucks but like hard core


well yah

Answer 9

both