Ten years ago the ADHD controversy would have been whether the condition really exists or whether or not it was just the end result of bad parenting or some other obscure cause.
Today scientists have been able to unravel the mystery of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder well enough to confirm the condition is real, and determine the likely cause or causes.
That said, ADHD controversies still exist.
In this article we will look at three current day ADHD controversies.
So if you have a few minutes to spare why don't we get started.
Could brain development really be the cause behind the cause? Behaviors associated with ADHD such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are known to be greatly influenced by neurotransmitter brain chemical imbalances, with the two primary culprits being dopamine and norepinephrine.
ADHD medications typically focus on this cause in order to help improve concentration and behavior.
But recent research, partially funded by the National Institute of Health utilizing advanced brain scan technology, tells us that the average ADHD child is 2-3 years behind in developing the part of the brain that controls self-regulation, and of course the ability to self regulate is the cause behind the cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Is long-term use of ADHD medications both safe and effective? There have been many safety concerns raised when it comes to long-term use of ADHD medications such as Ritalin and Adderall with dependency/drug addiction being only one of many.
The controversy here is whether the risks outweigh the benefits.
If you were to ask a general practitioner he would likely say yes, but if you were to ask a psychologist the answer would likely be no.
And of course natural health advocates and naturopaths would be quick to tell you that homeopathic and herbal remedies are by far the safer and more effective option.
As far as long-term effectiveness goes recent research funded by the National Institute of Health and conducted by UCLA in cooperation with the government of Finland seems to cast doubt on the long-term effectiveness of stimulants such as Ritalin.
What this groundbreaking long-term study concluded is that stimulant medications prescribed for ADHD seem to decline in effectiveness over time eventually providing no benefit at all after 10 or more years.
On the other hand there is no doubt that chemical stimulant compounds do produce relatively good results in the very short-term for most.
Is failure inevitable for those with ADHD? We all have seen the numbers stating that 80 percent of those with untreated ADHD will under achieve academically, are much more likely to be involved in a car accident, get arrested, or become pregnant.
As adults they are much more likely to regularly change jobs, earn substantially less money, and/or get divorced.
So one would conclude that if left untreated surely these poor souls would end up penniless and homeless.
Right? Well not exactly, as the ADHD mind is so creative and imaginative that oftentimes individuals with the condition can be achieve great success if given the right set of tools in the right profession.
I personally know 7 or more very successful ADHD adults whose professions range from upper level management, to office managers, to medical professionals that have had very successful careers spanning decades that haven't been in trouble with the law, been divorced, or wrecked their car every other day.
That said, it is their creativity that has allowed them to come up with fresh new ideas in record time that seems to have separated them from the pack.
In conclusion, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder controversy will be with us for a while longer but with some luck, hopefully, answers will be found and suitable safe long-term treatment options can be agreed upon.