Is ADHD in Children Just Parental Lack of Control?
Anyone who struggles with Attention Deficit Disorder – ADD or ADHD – themselves, or has a family member or friend who does, knows that it is far more than just a simple condition that can be quickly and easily fixed with a regular dose of a certain medication.
In fact medical professionals do not classify ADD and ADHD as medical conditions. Instead they are referred to as syndromes, and the symptoms and manifestations of these syndromes differ greatly from individual to individual.
Some sufferers display the classic hyperactivity that is associated with ADD and ADHD, while others simply feel disconnected and withdrawn from the rest of the world. The one thing they do all have in common is that their condition impacts their daily lives, and that of those around them, as their inability to pay attention causes all kinds of problems.
There is no one simple test that can definitively diagnose a child or an adult with ADD or ADHD. Instead medical professionals must rely upon their observations of an individual’s behavior over time to make an accurate assessment.
The actual number of people who suffer from ADD or ADHD is extremely difficult to calculate, as the condition often goes undiagnosed, and many of those afflicted put their behavior down to stupidity or laziness, while many children who suffer from the syndrome are labeled as “bad children” or considered out of control and disobedient.
The causes of ADD and ADHD are still largely unknown. Science has found links between ADD /ADHD and certain genetic markers, as well as certain foods and differences in all around brain chemistry in those diagnosed with the ailment. Some studies have also suggested that the prenatal use of alcohol and tobacco may also be a contributing factor.
The one thing that most medical professionals and scientists agree upon is that parenting style has nothing to do with a child developing ADD/ADHD. Often when a child is diagnosed with the syndrome parents blame themselves, feeling that they “did something wrong”. But say those who treat ADD/ADHD say that this is a myth, that the syndrome is as much about genetics and chemical imbalances as any other mental disorder.
Many ADD/ADHD sufferers are prescribed medications such as Ritalin and Adderall to try to change the organic chemical imbalances that may be causing their symptoms, to varying degrees of success. Others try dietary modification and various vitamin and mineral supplements as an alternative to prescription drugs which an increasing number of people feel are being overprescribed, especially to children.
ADD/ADHD is one of the most discussed and controversial medical issues of the new century. There are those who feel that this is a “bogus disease” and the whole concept was created by drug manufacturers. There are equal numbers of people, especially those whose lives are impacted by the syndrome, that disagree and are offended that their difficulties should be dismissed in such a complacent manner.
Just as with a myriad of other conditions research into the causes and treatment of ADD/ADHD is ongoing around the globe, but it still may be many years before anyone truly understands this unique condition.
September 19th, 2009 at 10:28 am
I was one of those skeptical parents who suspected that, while some cases certainly must be legitimately physiological in nature, a great number of the “troubled youth” said to have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD would benefit greatly by increased structure and parental involvement in their lives. I observed children (my nephew included) under the influence of Ritalin which “calmed them down” to such a degree that every trace of their individuality and personality vanished behind glassy eyes void of emotion. I was very convinced that the condition was over diagnosed and over medicated by overly lazy parents and doctors.
But then, when my second son was in 4th grade, as part of a collaborative effort of teachers, counselors, learning specialists and parents to determine why my son continued to struggle with school, even after being retained in 1st grade, I was required to have him evaluated by a child psychiatrist in order to “rule out” ADD. His behavior didn’t seem especially classic ADHD-like. He just wasn’t really into school like my other 2 children were. He’s the middle child so it seemed normal that he played the role of funny guy who maybe acted just a bit more often is search of attention.
Anyway, I’ll cut to the chase….yup, you guessed it, the doctor said he thought I should give medication a try and I was freaked out! I gave him his first dose on a Saturday so that I could watch his every move. I didn’t plan on giving him any medication on weekends or school vacations but that Saturday I needed to watch him. I was in for the shock of my life…..I was AMAZED……the low dose was fine; he wasn’t at all “zombilike” and he was “all there.” My little darling was just as charming and funny as usual but it was like he magically became a notch or two more mature! He listened when spoken to and responded intelligently. He refrained from antagonizing his sister (on at least a few occasions anyway!) and I think what struck me the most was a noticeable absence of “back talk” or “smart alec behavior.” Like I said….more mature…but in a good way. It was like his brain was finally functioning at full capacity and he was able to really function effectively and just SHINE!
Over the years we’ve fine tuned the medication type and dose, as well as making his routine more structured, including more frequent smaller meals and increasing the protein in his diet. Dr. Daniel Amen has done lots of research and written some very informative books on brain health–I recommend them to anyone interested in how the brain works & conditions of the brain, including stroke, dementia, ADD, etc.
As my boy gets older, he is learning to use his self control more effectively and most of the time we let him decide whether it makes sense for him to take medication on any given day. When I look at him I can see how good he feels about finally having turned the tables on this very real condition that was holding him back from living his life to the fullest!