There is a persistent myth, with variations, that goes something like this: “ADHD does not exist.” Variations suggest that ADHD isn’t a “Real” disorder because: “It’s diet induced,” “It’s learned behaviour” and “It’s normal child behaviour.”
I’ve yet to find a soul who knowingly suffers from ADHD and still perpetrates this garbage. But I have found several “normans” who insist that they know more about what goes on in my head than I do. What do they suffer from? Marketing fever, perhaps! It seems they all have something to sell, and what they are selling is always a way for people to deny the problem or its potential duration.
Let’s meet a few of these, shall we?
On his website adhdfraud, Fred A. Baughman Jr., MD says: “They made a list of the most common symptoms of emotional discomfiture of children; those which bother teachers and parents most, and in a stroke that could not be more devoid of science or Hippocratic motive–termed them a ‘disease.’ Twenty five years of research, not deserving of the term ‘research.,’ has failed to validate ADD/ADHD as a disease. Tragically–the “epidemic” having grown from 500 thousand in 1985 to between 5 and 7 million today–this remains the state of the ‘science’ of ADHD.”
Hmmmm. Well, Fred – may I call you Fred? – I take exception to some details here. Let’s start with: who made you chief of the research police? Double-blind studies and fMRI scans aren’t valid research? And even if the research were flawed in some way, where’s your research? I love the use of the inflammatory “epidemic” to describe increased awareness. At one time cancer was unknown, now it truly is an epidemic. Baughman would hold us in the dark ages of ADHD long enough to hawk his personal brand of “solution.”
Promoting with obfuscation, using words like fraud and fake with convoluted grammar and punctuation, he hopes you’ll miss the fact that his opinions are his only validation. He states these opinions as indisputable facts. And … he has a video for sale.
Here’s another one:
Lawrence Weathers, Ph.D. who, through his website adhdtreatment, proclaims that ADHD is “a highly refined, short-term coping skill that backfires in the long-run.” Although the copyright apparently belongs to Weathers, no author is actually given for this quote.
This concept of ADHD suggests that my lack of focus began in childhood. I again quote the website: “They make themselves more comfortable by learning to automatically divert their attention away from the trigger for unpleasant feelings.” After fifty-plus years of wanting to stay focused on such unpleasant things as conversation with a good friend or a book that teaches something I want to learn, I’m thinking this theory is worth the medical research used to prove it. … Dr. Weathers doesn’t cite any medical research … but he’s selling a book.
Moving on:
And here are some excerpts from another site called naturaladhdcure.com. These excerpts state as fact everything from speculation to blatant untruths. Let’s read …
“You might also discover the brutal reality that these drugs have side effects. And, over time the body requires you to take more and more to reach the same results as the body develops a tolerance to the drugs. ”
“Discover “Powerful and Proven Strategies to Wipe Out ADHD!” Plus, if you subscribe right now, you’ll get “109 Brain-Boosting Smoothie Recipes“”
“Effective Natural ADHD Treatments – - That Will Transform your Child into a Likeable, Well-Behaved and Successful Kid… Within 21 Days!”
“Finally, A Step-By-Step Blueprint To Get Your Child Back on Track – Without Threats… Without Tricks… Without Bribery… Without Drugs or Expensive Therapy ”
That last one is the real ticket, eh? Basically the “pitch” is if you pay them $40.00 they’ll give you info on how to pretend that therapy, medication and ongoing assistance in your child’s life aren’t necessary.
$40.00 … for a downloaded document …
I can’t do anymore research on this, I’m getting upset and depressed. I’m beseeching you to seek out the truths available from the medical community. Bona fide medical practitioners are in the medical profession to make money, but not by selling myths.
