Do you believe that ADHD is a disorder or do you believe that parents need to be "parents" and discipline kids

Question

I listened to a discussion recently where one side believed that ADHD is merely an excuse that is designed to let parents off the hook so they do not have to discipline their kid and follow through plus that kids are taught in today's society that they are so special and important that they feel they can do anything and we as a society enable them by providing them medication. For adults that have ADHD, it was said they lack self discipline and it is easier to say "I have ADHD" and take medication for it rather than improve yourself & your self discipline. The other side believed it truly does exist and that most kids need medication but too many parents refuse to medicate their kids. What do you think?

For the record - my daughter was dx as ADHD and was on medication while in grade school. The doctor took her off the meds in HS and she is no longer taking anything. Sometimes I think she does still need to be on them but then I hear things like this dicussion and it makes me wonder.

Answer 1

ADHD is a chemical imbalance in your brain. you cant stop that. i have ADHD and my parents brought me up extremely well.

Answer 2

While there are definitely some parents who have difficulty with structure and discipline in regards to their children (and themselves), ADHD is a real condition. Speaking as a psychologist, there are specific diagnostic criteria for this disorder - you can't just be "hyper" or "out of control." The problem is that many mental health professionals do not have the time to do a thorough examination, and often make a diagnosis after only 15 minutes in the doctor's office, or some such scenario. In addition, due to the (mental) health system in this country, pills are definitely emphasized as an immediate treatment, while for many people (and similar to other disorders), lifestyle changes as well as accommodations at work and school are needed. Finally, ADHD varies in its severity... so some people may have mild variants of the disorder... which can make others feel like it's not a "real" condition or disability.

Answer 3

I think that there is such a thing as ADHD, and that it does affect an untold number of children and youth throught America. But I also believe that their is a lack of discipline in certain homes as well. I think that if you discipline your child, and you always have, and they still misbehave and have problems then it might be time to consult the doctor. Otherwise, I would have to say that their behavior reflects on your parenting skills.

Answer 4

ADHD is real trust me, my diagnosis explained alot. Discipline, didn't work it only made me worse.
I didn't get a definitive diagnosis until I was about 30.
I have been on a few different meds for it and they don't seem to help either, I can't say I have it under control, but I am getting better at working around it.

I find Caffeine helps slow me down, and helps me to focus.
but I still get distracted a lot ( I should be working now for example).

Answer 5

My daughter has it. Without medication, strict schedules, and a careful limit of sugar intake, she experiences actual physical pain when she tries her best to sit still and focus.
Since her diagnosis and a bit of trial and error with meds, she can now sit and do schoolwork without worrying that she will humiliate herself with bouts of not being able to control her fidgeting.
Before her diagnosis, I tried EVERYTHING! Teachers called her lazy, unfocused, undisciplined, brattish, and possibly retarded. Now that she has the meds to help her control her energies, her teachers know she is intelligent and quite capable of doing well.
I wish the disorder had a name when I was her age so, through treatment, I could have been saved from the same humiliation and physical discomfort.

Answer 6

I don't believe with extra discipline, but it is another quick-fix American-cruddy-health-system invention which is a poor excuse for the fact they just want attention. Its not a learning difficulty, so give me back your disabled parking space badge and get off the meds. Some people have real conditions out there, for example my crohn's disease, don't see me moaning bout it so just leave it and get on with it.

Answer 7

when i was growing up there was no such thing as ADHD ...and ,AIDS was unknown as well. life was right with the world...now i find every time i turn around there's another excuse to just go with it ,and take the easy way out ... life has no consequence ..the actions we take are long lived, and to not pass this on to your children, is to not pass on life itself. those that blame bad actions on something such as ADHD ARE LAZY in there own lives, and through the training they were given early in life,or lack of, refuse to take responsibility for the actions of their young. step up to the plate and be the parent, don't give in to an excuse ,but take the time to teach your child to become an acceptable and responsible person in our society. blessed be

Answer 8

I have ADHD. and when I am not medicated I don't concentrate at school, i fail those classes that i don't concentrate in. I can be very hyper and never sleep. With medication I do well in school, get sleep, and overall secessed in everything i do. and yes i am a kid

Answer 9

I do not think there needs to be more disipline-actually instead of punishing your kids for who they are utilize the skills they have and get them involved that way. I hope you don't punish them by saying "you have to do this or else" because that is not going to help you or them develop healthy realtionships. Instead get them into art or physical-whatever they are gifted with-trust me-both of you will be happier in the long run.

Answer 10

I believe that it is a disorder that many people have. But I think it is overused and in many cases parents need to be parents and impose some discipline and not medicine.