Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Does This Disorder Really Exist?
Attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD) is one of the disorders that is very controversial. Therefore, it is one of the most controversial diseases today. Given the heterogeneity of the symptoms that arise, many people regard it as simply the standard diagnosis for problematic children.
In addition, there is a lack of uniform scientific criteria and no specific diagnostic test exists that would enable a clear and unambiguous diagnosis. Since neither the origin nor the cause of the disease have been conclusively clarified, the current drug treatment does not guarantee a lasting solution to the problem.
Drug treatment, usually with amphetamines or stimulants like Ritalin, ultimately only provides temporary relief from symptoms. Therefore, many people today ask themselves the question: Is the so-called attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) really a disease?
The Historical Evolution of Attention Deficit Disorder: From Reality to Myth
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Hyperactivity
Studies of this disorder were conducted as early as the first half of the 20th century. At that time, various scientists tried to describe and classify the symptoms and the disease.
To do this, they observed children who had difficulty concentrating, were restless, irritable and impulsive. The scientists referred to this condition as minimal brain dysfunction or post-encephalic behavior disorder, even though the children had never suffered any brain damage.
When was attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) first listed in the DSM?
In 1968 attention deficit disorder was first listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Guide to Mental Disorders (DSM). However, there was another name for this disease at the time.
Leon Eisenberg, an American doctor and expert in child and adolescent psychiatry, ensured that the child’s hyperkinetic disease was recorded in the DSM. He was able to convince the scientific community that the symptoms described had a genetic cause.
However, he refuted this claim many years later in an interview he gave to the German magazine Der Spiegel in 2009. He also pointed out that this disorder was being diagnosed excessively as the number of cases recorded had steadily increased.
Changes in the categorization of the disease
In the 1980s, the disease was referred to in the DSM-II as an attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity. It was not until the 1990s that the three sub-categories of disorder that are common today were defined: inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity and a combination of the two types.
While ADHD has been researched and described for nearly a century, the concept of the disorder has changed several times. Some of the developments went in different directions. The hyperactivity and associated symptoms have not always been associated with attention deficit disorder.
Therefore, ADHD is a concept that encompasses various mental disorders in children, adolescents and adults. For this reason, only an expert with in-depth knowledge can make a correct diagnosis.
Scientific evidence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Professor Marino Pérez Álvarez, specialist in psychotherapy and intervention techniques at the University of Oviedo (Spain), is the co-author of an interesting book on the subject. The title of the book is Volviendo a la Normalidad: la invención del TDAH y del Trastorno bipolar infantile or in German “Back to normality: The invention of ADHD and childhood bipolar disease”.
In this book he provides many scientific references and evidence that disprove the existence of attention deficit disorder. Part of this reasoning is based on the fact that there are no biomarkers in the brain to support the existence of this disorder.
In addition, the author also mentions a statement that Eisenberg, the “father” of ADHD, made shortly before his death. In an interview, Eisenberg himself pointed out the problem of pathologization and excessive diagnosis of child behavior. Hence, the author concludes that the combination of symptoms that occur in ADHD represent less of a clinical profile and more of behavioral problems.
In addition, Marino Pérez Álvarez draws attention to an undeniable fact. The pharmaceutical companies have built a very profitable business model around the needs of the families concerned. In 2017 alone, the largest manufacturer of ADHD drugs generated sales of around 1.2 billion US dollars.
Does ADHD Really Exist?
Due to the large number of different and sometimes contradicting information, it is impossible to give a clear answer to this question. Nevertheless, as parents, we should at least question the existence of ADHD. In the United States alone, an estimated 6.4 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 are affected, and the number is rising.
The ADHD World Association defines the disease as follows: “ADHD is a highly hereditary mental illness that already occurs in childhood and is characterized by non-age-appropriate expression of the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.”
In addition, this association says that “recent scientific studies of ADHD have shown biological foundations such as multiple genetic factors, ADHD-related differences in the structure and functioning of the brain, and changes in the neurotransmitter components …”.
It may take more time for the scientific community to come up with definitive evidence as to whether or not ADHD is a condition. Maybe we just don’t have enough patience. The rhythm of our life is stressful. The difficulties we have in reconciling our work and private life are continuously increasing.
As a result, we have less and less time to spend with our children. However, if you feel that your child is having any difficulties or problems, you should not hesitate and contact a trusted professional immediately.
