ADHD does not exist...

ADHD (also includes ADD, ODD, and any other DD) does not exist. Now, I know I am going to get some flack with that. If anyone want's to post a comment, feel free to do so and I will post it on my blog.

Why do I believe there is no such things as ADHD? On what am I basing my opinion? As a requirement for my Bachelor's Degree I was required to take Abnormal Psych. My professor, Dr. Greg Mazak, was well qualified to teach the course. Also, he taught from a conservative, Biblical standpoint. Secondly, I have done a little bit of research on ADHD.

From http://web4health.info/en/answers/adhd-diagn-dsm.htm, I have obtained the following information. (My comments are in parentesis and italics).

To meet the diagnostic criteria according to the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and statistical Manual of psychiatric disorders) a couple of aspects have to be considered to meet a diagnosis of adhd:

A. Six (or more) of either 1) Inattention, or 2) Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:

1) Inattention

Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in homework, work, or other activities (How many people actually enjoy homework, work, or other activities such as that? Face it, if it is something we do not like, we usually do not pay attention very well to it.)
Often has difficulties sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (If this is the case, how come those "diagnosed" with ADHD can sit and play video games for 8 hours straight?)
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (Let me see...this happens to me all the time.)
Often does not follow through instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions) (Please refer to my first comment above.)
Often has difficulties organizing tasks and activities (Called poor planning. It takes time to learn how to organize and plan correctly. If one does not practice then they will have difficulties.)
Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental efforts (Called lazy. I'm guilty of this myself sometimes. We, as humans, try to avoid difficult tasks and complete easy tasks.)
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books) (Ummm...called childhood...)
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (It is not all that hard to be distract-- how about them cowboys??)
Is often forgetful in daily activities (Ummm..called childhood...)

2) Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Hyperactivity
Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat (It's called boredom.)
Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected (Lack of discipline in the Public School system today.)
Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness) (Lack of discipline)
Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly (Ok, since when have kids been quiet?? Remember, be afraid of the quiet child.)
Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor" (That feels like me right now.)
Often talks excessively (Ever heard of a chatterbox??)

Impulsivity

Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed (Called not thinking things through. Isn't everybody guilty of that?)
Often has difficulty awaiting turn (Called selfishness. )
Often interrupt or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games) (Called selfishness)

B) Some symptoms causing impairment were present before age 7. (Called lack of discipline)

C) Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g. at school and at home). (Well, yeah! If someone misbehaves, he misbehaves everywhere. If someone has a hard time with one thing, he will have a hard time with it everywhere.)

D) There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning. (If someone doesn't pay attention in school then it will hurt them acdemically. If someone does not do his job, than his occupational functioning will suffer.)

E) Occurrence is not exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia or other Psychotic Disorder