I received an e-mail the other day from someone. Now, this isn't unusual - I get e-mails from readers frequently telling me that I've encouraged them or helped them in some way. The e-mails have been very uplifting and encouraging to me. But, this e-mail was different from the others. It was from someone telling me my articles alarmed him because ADHD is simply a fraud.
Now it was my turn to be alarmed! I do understand his feelings in a way, though. You see, at one time, I might have agreed with him. Before my diagnosis, I didn't know what was wrong with me - I just felt like I was a pretty bright person who couldn't do much of anything right. My diagnosis of ADHD was, for me, a blessing. It gave me the freedom to know why I am like I am. I used to think if I wanted to clean up or do something, all I had to do was set my mind to it. Well, I was wrong. It took me a few years (well, a lot of years) to figure it out, but I was wrong. I had mistakenly figured these hyperactive kids were just the result of parents not doing their job. In some cases that may be at least partially true, but ADHD is real and it causes those of us who have it to view the world in a somewhat different way than the rest.
ADHD is not a fraud. There are now studies that have shown there are certain differences in brain patterns between those who have ADHD and those who do not. So how can it not be real? I refuse to think of ADHD as a 'disorder' though it is called one by physicians and psychiatrists, but a difference, and a very real difference that sometimes makes us not quite 'fit in' with the population at large.
My critic that sent me the e-mail pointed out that Ritalin and other drugs used to treat ADHD are simply stimulants. I know that and so do most of you. He informed me that they are very similar to cocaine and that all of these drugs make people feel better. Well, I don't know about cocaine from personal experience, but from what I've read and from those I've talked to, it has a very different effect on those with ADHD and those without. The ADDer seems to calm down when the drugs are administered. The non-ADDer tends to get more agitated. Now, this isn't a basis for diagnosis, and I AM NOT saying you should try cocaine as a self-treatment. It is much safer and wiser to use a prescribed stimulant in a measured dose that will ensure you won't become addicted. Ritalin and the other drugs used to treat ADHD are generally safe when used as prescribed.
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