I've seen at least 4 threads in the past month where people argue that ADHD doesn't exist and that the diagnosed are "unmotivated, lazy, and need to man the fuck up."
Well, maybe the uninformed should man up and get the facts straight. Want empirical proof? Here ya go:
Daniel Amen is a psychologist who has done numerous studies using a new kind of brain imaging technique called SPECT. Here's an article for you with conclusive images.
http://www.amenclinics.com/brain-science/spect-image-gallery/spect-atlas/images-of-attention-deficit-disorder-addadhd/#adhd
That only touches the surface of ADHD. A marked restriction in prefrontal cortex activity and the basal ganglia, the area that creates dopamine, is evident in the studies done with patients clearly diagnosed with this mental disability.
Stimulant medications close the deficit between ADHD and normal levels of the neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine (two chemicals that are very influential on concentration and memory). The real debate here is not whether ADHD is real or not, it is whether psychostimulant medications are the best method.
Personally, I feel that Vyvanse, the medication I take, has greatly benefited me. I don't feel the need to take it nor do I even really want to take it; I already have enough trouble gaining weight as it is. I've never known what true concentration felt like before this medication, however. My brain was always all over the place. The fact that I only tuned in every other minute or so in class didn't help, even when I understood everything incredibly quickly (which is how I maintained a 4.0 GPA and didn't feel the need to ask for help up until junior year of HS).
My memory has improved remarkably. I take natural supplements to give myself an extra boost so that I don't feel dependent on the medication. My work ethic has gone up soooo much it's not even funny. I was always the kid who could write a 5 page essay the night before the due date and get an A. Now that I'm basically taking my freshman college courses in my senior year of HS, I realize that there is NO way I can do that without integrating these habits into my daily life and working around my learning disability.
Here are some ways you people with ADHD can help yourselves out without using medication, or combining it with your medication to get even further ahead:
http://www.amenclinics.com/clinics/information/ways-we-can-help/adhd-add/
I've typed out quite a bit and I could go on and on and on. I did a LOT of research before I even touched the topic of medication and I have weighed the risks and benefits. I don't plan on maintaining the medication plan past my first year of college, I'd rather deal with the neurological deficiency myself. I just don't have the skills to stop taking it right now...especially with both Micro and Macro Economics AP tests tomorrow haha!
Hope you guys are more informed now and understand what ADHD really is.
Sparknotes: If you can't read all this like I most likely wouldn't be able to before learning how to deal with my ADHD...then just click on the links I posted and that explains a lot of it. But I think you'll enjoy what I wrote as well.
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