3 ARTICLES ABOUT ADULT A.D.H.D.
ARTICLE #1
TITLE
Is ADHD a Real Disorder or One End of a Normal Continuum?
DESCRIPTION
This is a wonderful article! It begins with describing the problems of ADD and ADHD, and then provides a very detailed history of the issues. The article discusses all aspects historically as well as how the disorders have been classified by the medical and psychiatric establishment. Also, the treatment by way of medications is further discussed. The central thesis of this article is that ADD/ADHD should not be looked up as a binary disorder (you have it or don’t have it) but rather as on a continuum of traits. The concluding summary paragraph: “The traits that define ADHD—focus, cognitive control, inhibitory control (self-control), and sensitivity to reward (which drives motivation)—are traits that are fundamental to human functioning. ADHD can be understood as one end of a spectrum of normal, centrally important human traits. A large swath of the population find themselves disadvantaged by evolutionary mismatch in our highly structured society. Seen this way, ADHD is not just one among many specific kinds of psychiatric disorders (in the DSM, ADHD is listed as one of a large number of categorical mental disorders). Rather, it makes more sense to view it as one end of a continuum of a set of centrally important cognitive and behavioral traits that underlie and determine many aspects of human functioning.”
This is a great article for not only understanding the disorder but also as a resource with an excellent reference list. Students seeking a resource for term papers would be able to benefit from the article.
SOURCE
Psychology Today, January 6, 2021, by Ralph Lewis, M.D.
LINK TO RESOURCE
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/rs7ak76h
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ARTICLE #2
TITLE
How Do I Know if I Have Adult A.D.H.D.?
DESCRIPTION
This is a fascinating article regarding Adult A.D.H.D. and life long consequences when the disorder has not been diagnosed early. “Adults with the disorder often struggle with lack of focus and disorganization, “the so-called executive function skills — planning, organizing, time management — basically, skills needed for ‘adulting,’” Dr. Zylowska added. When adults ignore tasks that require these skills, it can create chaos. Bills pile up; lateness at work can lead to being fired; health appointments are delayed or neglected; accidents happen. In educational and workplace settings, adults with untreated A.D.H.D. often feel unmotivated and tend to have poor planning and problem-solving skills when an obstacle emerges, said Russell A. Barkley, a clinical professor of psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and the author of “Taking Charge of Adult A.D.H.D.” The article presents a number of perspectives on the symptoms and consequences of the disorder. Most importantly, it presents resources for the adult who might have the disorder that has not been diagnosed and possible solutions.
SOURCE
New York Times, August 6, 2021, by Christina Caron
LINK TO RESOURCE
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/06/well/mind/adult-adhd.html?smid=em-share
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/fhwu2das
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ARTICLE #3
TITLE
Is It Possible to Outgrow A.D.H.D.?
DESCRIPTION
When children are given a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it means that they exhibit a number of behaviors that meet DSM (American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) criteria. Do children outgrow the disorder as they move into adulthood? Or if they no longer meet the DSM criteria, does that mean that they no long have the disorder? This informative article examines the differing perspectives that professionals have in understanding what happens as the child moves to adulthood. What is agreed on is: “Doctors typically advise a combination of behavioral interventions, counseling and medication to address a child’s symptoms. A child who can manage the symptoms of A.D.H.D., allowing for a more successful experience in school, may reach a point when A.D.H.D. is far less of a problem. So facilitating success in school and ultimately in life may be the path to “outgrowing” the diagnosis.”
Students interested in this disorder will find the article helpful in exploring the different research issues related to A.D.H.D.
SOURCE
New York Times, November 13, 2020, by Cheryl Maguire
LINK TO RESOURCE
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/13/well/family/is-it-possible-to-outgrow-adhd.html?smid=em-share
(Tiny URL) https://tinyurl.com/y56q5yuf
CLASS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
•What is A.D.H.D. ?
•What criteria are used to diagnose A.D.H.D.?
•Should A.D.H.D. be viewed in a binary diagnostic category (you have it or you don’t) or on a continuum? What is the rationale for your answer?
•Explain three of the different perspectives as to whether children can or do outgrow A.D.H.D.
•What do the professionals agree upon in terms of advice to both parents and adults regarding treatment A.D.H.D.?
•If you were asked the question as to whether children outgrow A.D.H.D., what would you answer? What advice would you give?
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