The discussion here is not entirely relevant. The purpose of the classification of ADHD as a mental health disorder is to give individuals access to treatments, as well as a framework to understand their own behavior. The popularity of ADHD as a diagnosis (for both children and adults) is access to highly efficacious pharmaceuticals that…
The discussion here is not entirely relevant. The purpose of the classification of ADHD as a mental health disorder is to give individuals access to treatments, as well as a framework to understand their own behavior. The popularity of ADHD as a diagnosis (for both children and adults) is access to highly efficacious pharmaceuticals that are otherwise restricted for mostly political reasons. Undiagnosed ADHD is associated with poor performance in school as well as higher rates of illicit drug use (aka self medication) and higher rates of petty crime. OCD behavior, depression, anxiety, and/or oppositional behavior often occur with it. Most, but not all ADHD cases are believed to be caused by low levels of dopamine in the brain. The term “preference” here is misleading, as most of these outcomes are not preferred by either the patient or the patient’s caretakers (some patients are too young to make treatment decisions themselves).
Bryan does not specifically oppose treatment, though his framing suggests a negative moral judgement on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Treatment of mental health disorders is not different morally than treatment of other physical ailments. I may or may not have a preference for walking, but if I am unable to walk then my ability to function will be impaired. In which case I will seek treatment.
The discussion here is not entirely relevant. The purpose of the classification of ADHD as a mental health disorder is to give individuals access to treatments, as well as a framework to understand their own behavior. The popularity of ADHD as a diagnosis (for both children and adults) is access to highly efficacious pharmaceuticals that are otherwise restricted for mostly political reasons. Undiagnosed ADHD is associated with poor performance in school as well as higher rates of illicit drug use (aka self medication) and higher rates of petty crime. OCD behavior, depression, anxiety, and/or oppositional behavior often occur with it. Most, but not all ADHD cases are believed to be caused by low levels of dopamine in the brain. The term “preference” here is misleading, as most of these outcomes are not preferred by either the patient or the patient’s caretakers (some patients are too young to make treatment decisions themselves).
Bryan does not specifically oppose treatment, though his framing suggests a negative moral judgement on the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Treatment of mental health disorders is not different morally than treatment of other physical ailments. I may or may not have a preference for walking, but if I am unable to walk then my ability to function will be impaired. In which case I will seek treatment.