
ADHD Quick Facts
Disclaimer: Since the writing of this article, ongoing research have added much more clarification on what we know about ADD/ADHD.
- It is a real condition and not "bad parenting". Dr Serfontein even say it's as "common as cold" 1. Environmental factors and parenting can however, affect the severity.
- Its not a fad, its not a fraud. Just ask anybody with ADHD and they will tell you its real (and sometimes wishes it will leave them alone).
- It is a hereditary brain inefficiency. There is an imbalance between the diencephalon and the neocortex of the brain, with the result that the "system of balances" (neurotransmitters) aren't doing their jobs properly.
- It doesn't disappear in adulthood, as previously thought. It does however mellow. Symptoms are presented differently often because adults have learned to cope with them.
- Often co-exist with an associated condition like a learning disability, Defiant Disorder, Depression etc.
- "Stimulant medication is pivotal in the treatment of ADHD. You have to reach before you can teach" 2.
- Medication does not cause the ADHD-person to become addicted. "You don't get addicted to reality" 3.
- Studies showed that ADHDers metabolize glucose slower than non-ADHDers.
- Media disinformation was the cause of much negativism around ADHD and especially medication for ADHD, hurting those affected with ADHD the most.
- History is full of people who achieved greatness while having ADHD, like Beethoven, Einstein, Winston Churchill and many more.
References:
- Serfontein, G. (1994). ADD in adults.
- Graphic credit
###