ADHD

Did you know that most children diagnosed with ADHD are boys (10% males: 4% females?). Is this a problem with boys? Or a problem with expecting boys to be not-boys? (Or merely a problem with diagnoses?)

Where did ADHD come from? The University of Chicago linked ADHD to a "gene that regulates the actions of the neurotransmitter dopamine." Although I do indeed believe that God purposefully created all that is, I also believe in microevolution; I have to ask: What benefit did this gene confer? and Might it be useful? Is ADHD a disorder? or merely one more aspect of the wonderful variety of attributes that make up the human population? One more aspect that has been labeled as a disorder to provide more specialties for psychologists and clinicians to specialize in? I'm not saying that the so-called symptoms don't exist -- surely I know that they do -- I am questioning if they represent a disorder.

Here is the official diagnostic criteria:

DSM-IV Criteria for ADHD

I. Either A or B:

A. 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:

1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
4. 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).
5. Often has trouble organizing activities.
6. 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).
7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
8. Is often easily distracted.
9. Often forgetful in daily activities.

B. 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:

1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
2. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
3. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
4. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
5. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
6. Often talks excessively.


Impulsiveness

1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
2. Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

. . . Is ADHD a disorder? or merely one more aspect of the wonderful variety of attributes that make up the human population? One more aspect that has been labeled as a disorder to provide more specialties for psychologists and clinicians to specialize in? . . .

I've put into bold all the ones we live with (yeah, it is pretty much all of them ~ do we get extra points for fulfilling both A & B?).

We recently received the report from the school district psychologist. Although he didn't come right out and say it (I wonder why not?) he included all this language multiple times. Maybe he thinks he'll have to break it to us gently, like we didn't already know . . .




:: this post is included in the 36th edition of the brain blogging carnival hosted over at the BrainBlogger.