I was talking to my cousin the other day, and she was telling me how difficult it was to do her Economics problem set. She mentioned her "focusing" problem to her therapist, and he said that she had a textbook case of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). He recommended that she see someone about it.
"I mean I take Adderall anyway to study. But it feels good to know I have a serious problem. This explains so much!" she started to say.
I was pretty furious.
I don't want to offend anyone. I do believe that ADD exists, and it's a serious problem, but I don't believe that half the people who are diagnosed with ADD actually have it. I don't think you should be diagnosed with ADD if you simply tell someone that you have a hard time focusing on something. I have a hard time focusing on Economics problem sets too -- that's because they're boring. I have never seen her have a hard time focusing on the latest episode of the Hills.
Then someone told me that Sesame Street is to blame for the ADD epidemic because all their episodes are shot in two-minute fragments. Seriously? I hear a lot of people say that ADD is a "modern" disease, and back in the day when we didn't have technology and a hundred different distractions, it simply didn't exist. I would have to agree. When people were fighting for survival and working eighteen hours a week, I don't think it was much of an issue.
Honestly, I feel like we toggle a very thin line between taking a break and popping a pill. I was talking to a professor about how to get over grief, and he looked at me a little confused, and simply said, "Honestly, sometimes you just have to suffer."
Whatever happened to taking your sorrow/inability to focus/occasional hardship in stride, and knowing that it'll get better?
Do you guys think that ADD is being over-diagnosed and that too many people take Adderall when they don't really need it? Would you rather try to fight how you feel or take something to numb feeling?
Comments (92)
I think it's way over diagnosed along with ADHD, especially in children. Children are hyper! That is a fact of life and how things should be. Yet we are drugging them so they will be content little robots and sit quietly in a classroom 8 hours a day with no recess.
I totally agree with you that ADD is over-diagnosed. But for a lot of people it is just a lot easier to take a pill than to learn some self-control.
I totally agree
A couple years ago I told one of my teachers that sometimes I had a hard time focusing in class, and immediately she suggested it might be ADD (I know for a fact I don't have the slightest case of ADD.) When I told my doctor she said that, she sighed and said "You have no idea how many teachers say that to my patients..." I definitely agree with you that it's way over-diagnosed!
I couldnt agree with this more! I'm a psychology grad and did lots of research into ADHD last year. It does exist, but in most cases - especially in children, its is way way over diagnosed. I disagree with the way these children are being drugged, not to benefit them, but to make life easier for other teachers and pupils in the childs class. A lot of behavioural problems in young children may be as a result of parenting, and poor discipline, and a label of ADD is being placed on the child who knows no better, rather than addressing the parents methods of control. A child who is let to run wild at home will surely do the same in school, and the stamp of a 'disorder' could limit the child in future life. I think more correct cases of ADD are diagnosed in older people, because we should be in control of our minds, and we are self disciplined etc etc, so we know for ourselves if we are having extreme troubles with concentrating. Youngsters however dont have the abitlity to diferenciate like this. Alarmingly also, the more psychologists who specialise in ADHD - the more children who will be labelled as having it!
Waaaay over-diagnosed.
I agree with you; there's a widespread black market of adderall in college. Some people convince their doctors to diagnose them just so they can sell the pills.
the modern american culture is all about the quick fix for everything. if popping a pill makes the pain go away (instead of suffering through it like your prof said), then i can see why a lot of people would reach for it. although i have to say, pain is pretty miserable, and i wish there was a pill to fix me.
@healthyatheart@xanga - yup I've definitely heard that as well. I just don't understand the criteria for ADD (ADHD). I was a hyper kid growing up, but so were all my friends. Should we all be drugged? Some parents today just don't know how to deal with their kids, same goes for some teacher, they resort to drugging kids instead of finding other ways.
Yeah, I agree that ADD and ADHD are over-diagnosed.
Adderall, wasn't there a post about that just yesterday and how many college students take it to stay awake. does that mean they have ADD too. doctors should consider a thorough check before they they diagnose someone with ADD because it can lead to serious problems, both the doctor and the patient.
Of course kids don't focus on school. School is boring! It's more of a disciplinary issue than a mental disorder, jeez.
A lot of kids use it as an excuse, too. And I know kids who take the meds, and they look REEEEALLLY depressed and antisocial all day because they really CAN'T get distracted by anything.
I 100% agree that its over-diagnosed! Back to the point that it is called a "modern" disease, not only are there tons of technology and a hundred different distractions but there are the differences in the way we eat now. 100 years ago we ate meat, veggies and fruit..now kids are overloaded with processed sugars and chemicals.
Diagnosing for any disorder is tricky. If you diagnose, and then medicate...it has long-term effects on the body and mind. And if it's been misdiagnosed..even worse.
In today's world...there are way too many disorders, and some created only for the sake of labeling. Some people use disorders as a crutch/excuse for their behavior...I'm not sure I can be associated with someone who has something such as bipolar...I've had a friend who has it, and in the end, there was too much emotional turmoil, and he was full of drama (most of it in his mind.)
I, personally, have had an eating disorder since I was a teenager, and it was not until I went to therapy that I realized that I had a serious depression issue as well. It took some convincing but I've been taking anti-depressants and it's changed me for the better. I'm able to function better--less angry, less upset, and overall I'm able to enjoy life. I'm able to focus on the right things, and resolve issues better than before. I know it sounds cheesy but it's true. (And I honestly am not sure what would happen nor do I want to find out what would happen if I took myself off of the medication.)
I think it takes time and some maturity to realize and understand if there is something inherently wrong with you, and what needs to be done, therapy and/or medication.
My sister has depression but she did not find therapy helpful and did not take medication. Instead, she has resorted to going to gym to release stress and maintain depression levels.
I am not a psychology expert, but I think ADD, as well as several other problems, are over-diagnosed. Everyone has times when they can't concentrate, or when they'd rather be doing something different than what they are doing. That doesn't mean you have ADD.
And I also think a lot of the time people with ADD don't have something actually "wrong" with them, they just have a different way of thinking and a different way of doing things. I think some of the things that get labeled as "disorders" could more accurately be called "differences."
Like, for instance, I have directional dyslexia, which means that terms like left and right mean next to nothing to me. Maybe 99% of the population navigates by using terms like that. But just because I don't doesn't mean there is something wrong with me. It means I process that kind of information differently.
And as someone who has a respiratory disorder and took months to convince doctors that, no, I was not having panic attacks, I think anxiety disorders get over-diagnosed as well. I am all for having help available to people who really have those kinds of problems, but it bugs me that instead of checking my lungs and sinuses first when I can't breath, I get asked how I feel in social situations.
I think it is over diagnosed too. I think half the time moms are trying to get their kid diagnosed to shut them up and possibly take the pills themselves. People who abuse ADD drugs piss me off. Learn to get sleep, deal with your fatigue in healthier ways.
i completely agree... more people are starting to get ADD-like symptoms because of technology. Our society as a whole has minor "ADD", meaning we can't sit still for long periods of time. If we're watching TV or movie, reading a newspaper or on the computer, we want constant change. That's why tv/movies have such short scenes and people are constantly clicking next next next on the computer. newspaper articles are getting shorter to attract the attention of the reader and books are hardly being read because people just cant focus. it's sad but it's not because we all have ADD.. it's just our culture and how generations are growing up.
The following is the DSM-IV criteria for ADHD. Please take notice that in order to make a proper diagnosis the symptoms must be present for at least 6 months or more to the point that it's disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level.
DSM-IV Criteria for ADHDAlso I believe most people forget there are three major issues surrounding ADHD and they are Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity. It seems that most people only think of Inattention and Hyperactivity when it comes to ADHD and forget the Impulsivity. I think sometimes new parents and over worked teachers see a kid being just that, a kid, and get anxious and want to label it ADHD. However, if anyone has truely lived with an ADHD child or adult, then you just know the difference.
It should also be noted that it is extremely rare to find a person that has ADHD be itself. People who have ADHD usually have a dual diagnosis, which may not be apparent at first. People with ADHD often times are later also diagnosed with a mood disorder of some type.
I. Either A or B:Six or more of the following symptoms of inattention have been present for at least 6 months to a point that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
Inattention
Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions). ;
Often has trouble organizing activities.
Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or
homework).
Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
Is often easily distracted.
Is often forgetful in daily activities.
Six or more of the following symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity have been present for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for developmental level:
Hyperactivity
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
Often talks excessively.
Impulsivity
Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
Some symptoms that cause impairment were present before age 7 years.
Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school/work and at home).
There must be clear evidence of significant impairment in social, school, or work functioning.
The symptoms do not happen only during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder. The symptoms are not better accounted for by another mental disorder (e.g. Mood Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Dissociative Disorder, or a Personality Disorder).
Based on these criteria, three types of ADHD are identified:
ADHD,
Combined Type: if both criteria 1A and 1B are met for the past 6 months
ADHD,Predominantly Inattentive Type: if criterion 1A is met but criterion 1B is not met for the past six months
ADHD,Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: if Criterion 1B is met but Criterion 1A is not met for the past six months.
American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.
Also a therapist can speculate all they want as to what mental disorders a patient might have. However, they have no power to officially diagnose. All they can do is refer their patient to a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is the only one who has the ability to make an official diagnosis.
Unfortunately psychiatrists are not the only ones that can prescribe psychotropic drugs. Far too many people go to their family doctors formental health needs.They tell their family doctor that they're depressed, anxious, ect. and the doctor prescribes some pscyhotropic drugs.
However, your family doctor is not trained in psychiatry. In my opinion such doctors shouldn't be allowed to prescribe such drugs. However, legally they can. All I can say is this, would you go to a neurosurgeon when you need surgery on your heart? No of course you wouldn't. When it comes to specific issues, you want a doctor that specializes in that field. Why would you want a general medical practioner trying to practice psychiatry on you?
I thought that Ms. Cappuccino would find the following interesting.
"ADHD was first described by Dr. Heinrich Hoffman in 1845. A physician who wrote books on medicine and psychiatry, Dr. Hoffman was also a poet who became interested in writing for children when he couldn't find suitable materials to read to his 3-year-old son. The result was a book of poems, complete with illustrations, about children and their characteristics. "The Story of Fidgety Philip" was an accurate description of a little boy who had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Yet it was not until 1902 that Sir George F. Still published a series of lectures to the Royal College of Physicians in England in which he described a group of impulsive children with significant behavioral problems, caused by a genetic dysfunction and not by poor child rearing—children who today would be easily recognized as having ADHD. Since then, several thousand scientific papers on the disorder have been published, providing information on its nature, course, causes, impairments, and treatments." Source: National Institue Of Mental Health
So much for that theory that "ADD is a 'modern' disease, and back in the day when we didn't have technology and a hundred different distractions, it simply didn't exist."
both of my parents are pharmacists, and my mom has mentioned many times how often she's handing out certain medicines, such as sleeping pills, antidepressants, and meds for ADD and ADHD. it seems that some people take the easy way out and beg doctors for the meds. my dad has gotten a call before and someone wanted a refill on painkillers that they had picked up the day before, because she had "dropped them on the floor." my dad told her to wipe them off and suck it up, and i'm proud of that.
parents of kids are (a lot of the time) left in the dark about side effects and true definitions of certain disabilities, syndromes, and illnesses. i feel that that is also a reason so maybe children are being diagnosed (sp?): there's parents are willing to listen to whatever the doc. says.
AMEN
thank you. i think that while some people may ACTUALLY have it... its mostly bullshit. every kid doesn't like to pay attention and like to fidget and not do homework. some are just raised to listen and sit still.
WAY over diagnosed.
WAY over diagnosed. But I do know that my brother truly has it. He struggles with paying attention a ton so he takes Adderall. You can tell if he has taken his medicine that day. He acts a ton more attentive and not nearly as restless. He is more likely to remember a list of things told to him to do. He definitley has ADD.
Now my mom and some of my friends say I have ADD. I know I don't have it, but I even took a online test and it said I did. It said ALL my friends did. Some of them even went to a doctor and then got diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. It is wayy over diagnosed. It's stupid.
Contrary to the popular belief.... There is no evidence of over-diagnosis of ADHD. Check out this paper:
Results and Conclusion:Based
on the review of prevalence studies and research on the diagnostic
process, there does not appear to be sufficient justification
for the conclusion that ADHD is systematically overdiagnosed.
http://jad.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/11/2/106
I've been searching for a while now about ADHD overdiagnosis and I can't find a peer reviewed paper justifiably saying so. Not saying it isn't true, but people shouldn't run and jump to conclusions.