Stage 1: The Moral Diagnosis Stage 2: The Medical Diagnosis Stage 3: The Strength Based Diagnosis
Stage 1: The Moral Diagnosis: For most of the 20th century (and still in many parts of the world today), ADD was a 'moral diagnosis'. This refers to the fact that people with ADD were considered to just be 'bad'. They were judged as weak, inadequate, and they needed to try harder. This was a dark time for the understanding of ADD. This view of the diagnosis is restrictive, negative and perpetuates shame and guilt. Although the field of ADD has moved past the stage of the 'moral diagnosis', unfortunately it is still around today. The press frequently reports on how ADD is due to bad parenting, weakness of character or even music videos. There is no evidence to support these beliefs (or any social causes at all) and we strongly believe that everyone needs to get far past this view of ADD. The advent of new scientific research has led to a newer understanding of ADD, which brought out the second stage...
Stage 2: The Medical Diagnosis: The Medical Diagnosis of ADD refers to the newer research which documents that ADD is in fact a real medical condition. New research in brain imaging, genetics and neuropsychology clearly established that people with ADD have differences in their brains... and these are highly related to genetics. Thus, ADD has been recognized as a real medical condition.
This new stage in the evolution of the diagnosis of ADD has led to more scientific research, and more support for the medication treatment for ADD. This stage has largely led to significant progress in the field of ADD. It has generally improved options for medical and non medical treatments, and has led to improvements in functioning and the quality of life for those with ADD.
Ideally, this stage of 'medical diagnosis' would have eradicated the 'moral diagnosis'. Unfortunately, it hasn't completely eradicated this view ' as mentioned above. Almost everyone considers the evolution of the diagnosis from a moral one to a medical one to be significant progress in the field.
However, there is a 'dark side' to the medical diagnosis. The ultimate limitation of this stage of ADD is that the medical diagnosis stage establishes the belief that people with ADD are flawed, and they have a pathology which is negative. They have 'deficits'. This leads us to the direction that the field needs to move toward ' the natural evolution for ADD:
Stage 3: The Strength Based Diagnosis
This stage in the history of ADD as not yet taken hold. One could say that it is in fact a paradigm shift ' which we advocate the field to move toward. There are some practitioners and experts out there who are on the 'leading edge' and are already working in this paradigm. However, they are generally few and far between. The basics of the 'strength based diagnosis' include the fact that ADD has gifts within it. These are gifts which can be difficult to unwrap, and are based on the strengths that many people with ADD have.
While many medical diagnoses are considered to have no positive side (i.e. what is the 'gift' of arthritis, or heart disease?), when the diagnosis of ADD is made ' because it is in the mind ' it surprisingly does have gifts within it.
Right within and intermingled with the core symptoms of ADD are the gifts ' but you have to look for them (also nurture & unwrap them)... - An inattentive mind can be great at multi-tasking - A mind which moves rapidly from one topic to another seemingly 'inattentive' can see things in a way which others don't ' great for 'out of the box' thinking - An impulsive mind which isn't afraid of taking risks ' can be brave enough to innovate, and lead the world in new directions - The level of creativity in the ADD brain can be awe-inspiring - ...if it is nurtured properly - And there are many more gifts within ADD if they can be 'unwrapped'
In summary, the new paradigm for ADD is that there are strengths in it ' and we need to find those strengths, build on them, and change the lives of those touched by ADD and ADHD.
“America now uses 90% of the world’s Ritalin - more than five times the rest of the world combined." - Peter Breggin, M.D, Talking Back to Ritalin - More than 10% of the nation’s children are diagnosed with ADD/ADHD as indicated by recent statistics. - More than five million children are taking Ritalin or another stimulant medication for the treatment of ADD/ADHD. - There have also been cases that hundreds of children who took these medication have taken more than the recommended dose every year. - The possibility of overdosing is greater for children between the age of six to nine. The usage of Ritalin and other stimulants in treatment of ADD/ADHD can cause more than just side effects. There have been prove that these stimulants can lead to a more serious health problems such as damaging the functioning of the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal system and this will in turn endanger the lives of these children who depend on them. Parents have been pressured by many to opt for these stimulants as treatment for ADD/ADHD but they have not been informed of the requirement of using this medication. These dangers include: Cardiovascular System Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, and heart attack. Central Nervous System Altered mental status, hallucinations, convulsions, seizures, convulsions, depression, excitement, agitation, irritation, anxiety, nervousness, hostility, nervousness, compulsive behavior, tics, jerky movements, tourette’s, drowsiness, confusion, lack of sleep, unhappiness, depression, over-sensitivity, decreased social interest, zombie-like mannerisms, impaired mental abilities. Gastrointestinal Eating disorders, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, and cramps, dry mouth, constipation, growth problems, and endocrine and metabolic disorders. Other Blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, excessive sweating, incontinence, fever, joint pain, blood disorders, rash, conjunctivitis, hives, skin inflammation, and hair loss. Withdrawal and Rebound Worsening of symptoms, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, irritability, over-activity, and stimulant “crash". Effects of Ritalin is suspected to be more powerful than cocaine! Although in pill form, Ritalin does not produce the immediate stimulant effects as cocaine, addicts that crush and inject Ritalin have found the “rush" to be just as pleasant. One European study found that, even though encapsulated Ritalin (pill form) didn’t produce an immediate rush, once metabolized, the drug occupies more dopamine receptors than cocaine does. In essence, Ritalin has more of an effect on brain receptors than cocaine. Pediatricians as well as ethicists have also voiced their concerns in usage of these stimulants. In an article published in the New York Times, they have questioned the appropriateness of medicating children without a clear diagnosis in hopes that they do better in school. They also asked whether the drugs should be given to adults failing in their careers or are procrastinators. They question the worthy of this method. There also have been concerns on the large discrepancies between pediatricians practice pattern and the Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines in assessment and treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as stated in an article in the January 2005b issue of Pediatrics. The fact that the medical community did not come to an agreement regarding how to diagnose ADD/ADHD and therefore, it is questionable that they have made a far-reaching decisions as to how to treat individuals who have been diagnosed with the disorder. In light of the growing controversy surrounding the diagnosis, and increasing misdiagnosis, of ADD/ADHD and the questionable administration of stimulant medications as a form of treatment, it is wise to proceed with caution whenever symptoms might lead to such a diagnosis. Some good rules to follow whenever ADD/ADHD might be suspected are: - One should not settle for a single diagnosis of ADD/ADHD by any practitioner even so after a single observation alone. - The diagnosis of ADD/ADHD should be one of a final diagnosis and if this did not involve eliminating the possibility of another disorder, nutritional imbalance, or food allergies and sensitivities then it is not a real diagnosis. - If ADD/ADHD is the appropriate diagnosis then medications such as stimulants should be the last choice of treatment. They should only be used after exploring other form of medication because the dangers in administering ADD/ADHD medications, especially to a child, are just far too great too risky. - The last thing you need is to fall for any quick fix solution. These sort of fad diagnosis would more often than not be offering stimulants as the quick remedy. Therefore, avoid at all cost. As an educated individuals, one should be seeking the best form of treatment for oneself and for the best interest of your children.
Both Dr Kenny Handelman & Jimmy Brownen are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dr Kenny Handelman has sinced written about articles on various topics from . Dr. Kenny Handelman is a Psychiatrist who is a specialist in ADD and ADHD. He is co-author with Dr. Edward Hallowell of a FREE special report called: Find the Genius in ADD. You can download your copy right now, by going clicking here:. Dr Kenny Handelman's top article . to your Favourites.
Jimmy Brownen has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Family Concerns and Brain. As a leading practitioner in the field of treating , Jimmy Brownen has had man years of experience in the treatment of such disorders. For mo. Jimmy Brownen's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.