Ravin Galvan

J. Morath
Psych 1010
Lab2-ADHD
7/2014

1
Is ADHD a real diagnosis to a physiological/ psychological disorder? Or are we using
pharmaceuticals to tame the personalities of our youth to conform to the standard of which
each family culture believes we should behave? This is a very controversial subject. Based
on many research studies done by very creditable groups, there are facts to persuade an
audience either way.
To me ADHD is a very interesting subject. Because I myself have been diagnosed
with it multiple times threw out my childhood, teen years and still into my adulthood.
Though I have never really put much thought into it until lately. It raises so many questions
in my own mind as to if it is a real thing, or if I am just being told that my personality is a
mental disorder. Since a young age I have always been pretty much scatter brained.
I have had a hard time paying attention to things such as school, directions, and
reading for any amount of time or staying on task with anything, even hobbies and things I
enjoy for myself. Memory has also been a huge issue for me, and I have always just been
known to be the type of person that is always multi-tasking, moving on from one subject to
the next, forgetful, high energized, fidgety, and easily distracted. I was never a out of
control child by any means. I was actually very well behaved, polite and exceptionally
smart kid considering the matter.
So to me when I have lived this way my entire life, I know what troubles it can and
has caused in my own day-to-day life. However I was never treated for it until I was an
adult, and still I dont believe any of the treatments have helped to cure or control my
symptoms. In my opinion it has actually gotten worse with age if anything. In the article
Ravin Galvan
J. Morath
Psych 1010
Lab2-ADHD
7/2014

2
Does ADHD exist? (Russell A. Barkley & Sammi Timimi et al.) The two researchers argue the
topic very one sided. In their strong opinions either there was or was not a real diagnosis
for the disorder, with out giving much creditability to either side for the findings done by
the other. Barkley argues that there have been many studies to prove that ADHD does in
fact exist. According to Barkley, Most neurological studies find that as a group those with
ADHD have less brain electrical activity, and show less reactivity to stimulation in one or
more of these regions. Showing that there are biological differences of those with ADHD
comparable to those without it. Timimi counters Barkley by saying that the neurological
tests cannot be counted as accurate because the brain changes could be caused by the
medication itself, and not the actual disorder. Being someone who has tried the
medication though, I cannot say that I disagree with Timimi about that. The medication
Adderall is what I was prescribed, and the feeling is horrible. I think that the medications
prescribed using stimulants for any disorder is causation for other disorders as well. For
example Adderall, the feeling I got off of a quarter of a quarter of 1 pill was of that of
cocaine or methamphetamines. Shaky, speedy heart beat with a dramatic drop randomly,
sweaty, anxious, irritable, appetite suppressed, migraine, upset stomach and come down
effects of paranoia and depression. The only way to avoid the side effects was to take more.
So its no wonder why parents or naysayers of the disorder think that the children are just
acting out or its a parenting issue. These sufferers who are being stimulate medicated
always feel like they are coming off of hardcore drugs. Therefor of course it is linked to
anxiety and depression, because those indeed are true side effects of the medication.
Ravin Galvan
J. Morath
Psych 1010
Lab2-ADHD
7/2014

3
I have not tried other medications since the Adderall, so I cant say that there are not
others that may be more helpful. But the scare of the first attempt was enough for me to
decide to just live with it. At least until something more natural is created. Timimis point
argues that ADHD is no more of a disorder, such that it is just a way for society, parents and
teachers to medicate the youth of today to conform and to act accordingly. So what of the
other 50% of people that dont act up, are not medicated or treated but feel the suffering
effects day to day? How is that explained?
Barkley also discussed twin studies showing that it is hereditary. Which I do believe
to be true because my mom, my little sister and myself all have the same issues with
attention span, forgetfulness, focusing and multiple tasks. Then again it may raise question
that its nurture issue, except none of us have lived together. My sister living with her dad,
myself grew up living at my aunts, my mom on her own. So then how could it be a
parenting issue?
I dont argue the facts that the increase of medication for the disorder was abused,
or that for some it maybe a way to get your child to act the way you want them to because
you lack parenting skills. Sure, for some that maybe the case, just like any other disorder
ever conceived there has been and always will be some part of society who has to abuse the
help and makes it look bad for anyone who genuinely has an issue. I also dont argue that
medications with stimulants are also not the answer, and in my opinion should never be
given to anyone for any reason. But the disorder is real; whether there is a sure way to
Ravin Galvan
J. Morath
Psych 1010
Lab2-ADHD
7/2014

4
diagnose it, treat it or show is cause it is still something many people suffer from on an
everyday basis.