Debate: Is ADHD a Real Disorder? Essay Example

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, is one of the most commonly debated mental health issue. Does it really exist? Is it a real problem? Is it a quick fix for a poorly-behaved child? When it comes to the well-being of children, diagnosis and treatment must be not only accurate, but also necessary. In this paper we will discuss two authors who debate over the reality of ADHD. The National Institute of Public Health states that ADHD is a very real disorder. Wright argues that the fad of ADHD has led to a default diagnosis based select deficiencies.While I believe that Wright had some very valid arguments, I am convinced that ADHD is a real disorder, and if not addressed appropriately, could have a very detrimental effect on the child’s learning progress.

The ADHD disorder has become a very commonly known issue. Perhaps the debate over its existence has made individuals more familiar with it than they really need to be. However, to validate it, it has to be clearly defined. According to The National Institute of Public Health, “The principle characteristics of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms appear early in a child’s life.” (Attention Deficit) Because these are common behaviors in a child, it has to be proven that it is in excess for what is expected at their age. This can be why this disease is challenged so regularly. The very definition of this disease is descriptive of children in general. But it is important to understand that there are some children, and adults, whose characteristics are far outside of what is considered normal.

For debate sake, it is important to understand that this disease is not something that can be diagnosed and fixed at home. “Ideally, the diagnosis should be made by a professional in your area with training in ADHD or in the diagnosis of mental disorders. Child psychiatrists and psychologists, developmental/behavioral pediatricians, or behavioral neurologists are those most often changed in differential diagnosis.” (Attention Deficit) These professionals have been trained to diagnose the extent of ADHD disorder and the best course of action for treatment. Debating the reality of ADHD disorder tends to lose a bit of creditability when there are so many professionals who know how devastating it can be.

Part of understanding the reality of the disorder is knowing the treatment that is necessary. Because of the severity of this disorder, there are many different treatments for those who face ADHD. Of course there is the medication. The stimulant drug is used with doctor supervision and allows the individual the ability to reduce their impulsivity and hyperactivity. This is not a “medicate and make it go away” type of problem. These individuals who live with ADHD have to learn to adjust their lives to live with it. They have groups, therapy, and other psychological treatments that allow them to function in a more effective way.

Wright argues that ADHD is not really a disorder as many believe. An active child who cannot sit still is noticed more frequently than a child who drifts off into a daydream. By this, it is argued that because the hyper child is drawing more attention to themselves, it is believed that there is something wrong with them. The child who is quiet and daydreaming clearly is functioning normally. “Certainly, there are deficiencies of attention and hyperactivity, but such behavioral aberrancies are most often indicative of a transitory state or condition within the organism. They are not in and of themselves indicative of a ‘disorder’.” (Wright) An example of this is that a young child may have had an extremely busy day, and they are still full of energy. This is not cause of alarm, this is normal and it can be resolved with a simple good night sleep. It does not mean that they have ADHD, it just means that they are a child, and that is how their bodies function.

He continues his debate against the reality of ADHD by discussing his own personal experience. Wright states, “However, after nearly fifty years of diagnosing and treating several thousand such problems, it is my considered judgment that the distractibility and hyperactivity seen in such children is not the same as the distractibility and hyperactivity in children currently diagnosed with ADHD.” (Wright) All too often a child acts different than that of another, and they are quickly labeled with this default disease and medicated to behave in a way that is more suitable. The issues of distractibility and hyperactivity were far more severe than what is faced currently. ADHD is a fad disorder that does not a real disorder as commonly believed.

It is clear to see why there is such a debate over whether ADHD is a real disorder or not. Wright presented many facts that could make an individual question if this is really one of those disorders that is used as a crutch for behavioral problems. However, the facts of the disease are very clear. Professionals have studied ADHD and its effects on both children and adults. This disorder is severe and needs treatment in order for the individual to be effectively functional. Some cases are more serious than others, but the inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are disorders that the individuals have to learn to address. After all the facts have been presented, I can state with certainty that ADHD is in fact a real disorder.

Work Cited

Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactive Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. Print.

Wright, Rogers H. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: What it is and What it is Not. Destructive Trends in Mental Health: The Well Intentioned Path to Harm. (2005) Print.