Some argue that children diagnosed as having ADHD are in reality no more than just badly behaved children; others argue that they have a clear disorder. Critica - Essay Example

As it is a disease which has been identified in only the last few years, it cannot be stated with certainty whether it existed all along the course of human developmental history or is it a contribution of the modern hectic lifestyle and norms imposed by technology and society on the young minds. As the exact pathophysiology of ADHD is not clearly understood and there have been mere conjectures till date about the causes of this disorder the medical and social fraternity is embroiled in controversies regarding the true nature of this malady and are still uncertain of the therapeutic approach to be adopted.

There are believers who think that it can be treated by psychotherapy alone and others who are firm that pharmacotherapy is essential. The occurrence of ADHD has still to achieve the status of an ‘established truth’. (Tait G., 2005). According to his study there are three groups with different viewpoints on the malady. The first group believes that ADHD is an established medical disorder based on various evidences they put forward. The second group believes that the disorder does exist but is being grossly over diagnosed in present times.

The third group is that of sceptics who think that it is a mere figment of imagination and certain vested pharmaceutical groups have over popularized the disorder with the ulterior motive of increasing the sales of therapeutic agents manufactured by them. Tait has however focused on the philosophical and metaphysical aspects of belief in the existence of this disorder. Graham, Seth & Coghill (2007) have published a comprehensive scientific review of the research done on ADHD till date. The authors argue that studies till date have pointed at the component of genetic predisposition of some individuals to be more prone to this disease in most cases, while independent environmental component has a lesser role to play.

Gene- environment component has not been denied