"ADHD is for kids who don't want to try"

I have decided to dedicate my very first (real) blog entry to a topic that is near and dear to my heart (or my limbic system)- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The purpose of this post will be to dispel the false rumors and claims surrounding this legitimate psychological disorder.

RUMOR #1: Choosing to not focus is not a mental illness.

FACT: Medicine says focusing can be much harder for certain individuals.

While it is indisputable that learning how to focus is one of the most important skills every individual must learn, it is important to understand that the definition of salience differs from person to person. These claims are not substantiated by anecdotal evidence (i.e. it takes a little more effort for Jimmy to focus on homework) alone.

Individuals with abnormal neuroanatomy or lower baseline levels of certain neurotransmitters are naturally attracted to different stimuli. The Low Arousal Theory states that individuals with lower baseline neurotransmitter activity are constantly 'starving' for environmental stimuli. This is why ADHD is treated with stimulants;it helps elevate the naturally low neurotransmitter levels and lift them out of the 'brain fog'. This 'brain fog' is often compared to taking away someone's glasses; you just can't can't seem to focus on the blurry objects. It results in restlesness and anxiety (which can lead to depression and other disorders) Needless to say, a classroom is not a stimulating environment, and the child would seek a more stimulating environment than sitting down and not speaking for 8 consecutive hours.

Such an environment does create some false diagnoses, but the majority of diagnoses are legitimate.

Many argue that "that's just the way some people are." What if we adopted that same attitude towards Bipolar disorder? "He has his ups and downs". Or Narcissistic Personality Disorder? "He's just full of himself." The fact of the matter is, the line between psychological disorder and personality trait is drawn when the trait is resistant to change and significantly interferes with a person's ability to function from day to day.

RUMOR #2: Adults don't have ADHD, so kids just need to grow out of it.

FACT: Adult ADHD is very real but manifests itself differently than Childhood ADHD.

The notion that Adult ADHD 'fades away' is not only a misnomer, but factually false. Individuals naturally choose careers that maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses. A child cannot chose his or her environment, and if he or she is disadvantaged in a school environment, tough luck. But then one could argue that such situations are just because of individual differences. Not so. You know that socially awkward, impatient, impulsive guy at work that's always late and procrastinates all his responsibilities? Contrary to popular belief, he doesn't choose to be that way; he has ADHD.

RUMOR #3: ADHD medications pay for the child's lack of effort with his health.

FACT: ADHD plays a significant role in addiction to harmful drugs or habits, and effective treatment of ADHD significantly reduces the chances of acquiring an addiction that is much more harmful than ADHD medications.

Statistical studies show a link between addictive drug use and ADHD. Individuals with ADHD must find a way to compensate; this is called 'self medication', and can include smoking, alcoholism, excessive cannabis usage, and overeating. All these activities are calming because they correct the chemical imbalances in the person's brain. Smoking is especially addictive because nicotine, a stimulant, acts roughly in the same way as ADHD medications. The harmful addictions and maladaptive habits prevented through ADHD treatment greatly outstrip the increased risk sudden of death caused by the medicines. Such anecdotal accounts attract a disproportionate amount of attention and distract from the benefits of treatment. Discontinuing ADHD treatment because of a few isolated incidents is as responsible as eliminating seatbelts to reduce the risk of choking on them.

CONCLUSION: ADHD is a legitimate psychological disorder that warrants the treatment it gets. Don't listen to misinformed jackasses.

(This isn't a scholarly paper so I'm allowed to say things like that ↑)