Is ADHD Real

Is ADHD Real More than any other disorder, the legitimacy of ADHD as a mental health diagnosis is questioned by armchair experts everywhere. Anyone who has ADHD themselves or has a child with ADHD has encountered family members and friends who are more than happy to share their belief that ADHD doesnt actually exist - I was hyper when I was a kid too, but I didnt have ADHD. Its just kids being kids. Kids are too coddled these days, so they dont respect their teachers. If parents would just discipline their kids, then they wouldnt behave this way. If kids didnt spend so much time watching TV and playing videogames, then they wouldnt have ADHD. Hearing these messages is especially difficult for parents of kids with ADHD. Parents face the challenge of not only having to cope with their childs ADHD, but also having to defend their parenting choices and the very existence of the ADHD symptoms. For many parents, dismissive comments from friends and family also plant seeds of doubt, leading them to quietly wonder whether their parenting is in fact the problem, or if they did actually cause their childs ADHD by allowing them to play too many videogames. In addition, these comments perpetuate the stigma that too often surrounds ADHD, and ultimately discourages people from seeking help for themselves or their child. While public opinion about ADHD varies widely, the science behind ADHD is actually quite specific: ADHD is a real, brain-based disorder that manifests as difficulty with concentration, organization, impulse control, and hyperactivity. Through brain imaging studies scientists are now able to identify parts of the brain that develop and function differently in individuals with ADHD (see my previous post on brain differences in with ADHD). What causes ADHD? Researchers are continually developing a more sophisticated understanding of why some people develop ADHD and others do not. The science shows us that the number one factor contributing to the development of ADHD is not watching too much TV or playing too many videogames, or parenting style or the food someone eats. Its genetics. A persons genes make up about 80% of their risk for developing ADHD. The other 20% likely comes from other environmental or health-related factors, like exposure to nicotine in utero, being born prematurely, being exposed to lead, etc. While factors like screen time, parenting style, teaching style, and diet dont cause ADHD, research show that they can affect the severity of ADHD symptoms. So, growing up in a structured home environment, attending high quality schools, spending limited amounts of time playing videogames and watching TV, and eating a healthy diet can all help with the management of ADHD symptoms. These protective factors may even change the w ay the brain develops over time, leading to a less severe course of ADHD overall. With so much evidence showing that ADHD is real, why do people question the diagnosis? For starters, ADHD symptoms exist on a spectrum, and everyone as moments or days when they are less focused than theyd like to be or find themselves struggling to sit still. So, on an individual level, people without ADHD dont fully understand that their periodic symptoms are far less severe than the chronic symptoms experienced by those with ADHD. As a result, they struggle to comprehend why it is that a person with ADHD cant simply make themselves focus or stop fidgeting. On a societal level, we believe that parents and teachers should be able to control a childs behavior. And, we fundamentally believe that all children and adults can be focused and organized when they choose to apply themselves. Individual weaknesses in these areas are rarely discussed or accepted as valid challenges faced by people with ADHD. There may be times when it seems like everyone has a different opinion about whether or not ADHD really exists but the scientific evidence doesnt waiver. ADHD is a brain-based disorder that has a very real impact on the lives of children and adults, as well as their families. Parenting and teaching styles, screen time, and diet dont cause ADHD to develop, but intervening in these areas can have a positive impact on symptoms and the trajectory of ADHD over time. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.