The fight goes on. One camp proclaims no such thing as ADHD while the other recognizes it as a diagnosed neurological disorder involving the frontal cortex. The two opinions (three if you include the undecided) are not new, but I didn't realize the seriousness of the disagreement until a comment appeared in response to one of my You Tube videos.
After deleting an impressive string of expletives, the following message remained. "There is no such thing as ADHD, only people like you who made it up to rip people off by taking their money." If you want the actual message, surround each noun in the quotation with multiple profanities. If done correctly, the bravest of you will gasp.
What difference does it make? I can name two. One is qualifying for medication, and another is eligibility for special education services. There are subcategories under these two, but . . . Really, what difference does it make? The symptoms of ADHD are real with or without the diagnosis.
I work with clients who can't stay focused, who get caught up in impulsive behavior. They may have uncontrolled flares of anger, forgetfulness, low self-esteem, addictions and compulsive behaviors. Some are diagnosed ADHD or adult ADD. Some are not. Some take prescribed medication. Others don't. They have one thing in common. They share devastating symptoms. Symptoms that are common to ADHD regardless of criteria for diagnosis.
The symptoms are real and damaging. Bottom line? It is important that we manage the symptoms not that ADHD is a bona fide disorder.
