Amanda Goranson

C. Oni

Psy160

November 14, 2005

Is ADHD a Fraud?

Amanda Goranson

South Piedmont Community College

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ABSTRACT

In this paper I intend to dispel the myth that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a fraud. I will be using research done by a neuropyschiartist, Dr. Daniel G. Amen and other researchers within the same field. Amen pioneered the utilization of Brain SPECT Imaging within researching the activities of the brain. Through brain SPECT imagery, Amen and his team have discovered six different levels of activity within the ADHD brain. Therefore, establishing that there are actually six types of ADHD instead of the two types initially believed to exist. Through extensive research on how to help the six types manage from day to day, Amen has shown that medication is not the only alternative but also that whatever treatment chosen it needs to be supplemented with a complete behavioral regimen.

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But that each type has its only characteristic that sets it apart from the other types and disorders.

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Is ADHD a Fraud?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, better known as ADHD, is described as a syndrome affecting children, adolescents and adult characterized by short attention span, hyperactivity, and poor concentration. This mental disorder usually begins before the age of 7 years old and involves am impairment of or diminished attention span, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

There are numerous organizations to help those needing or wanting help. Some of these organizations are against ADHD or even the use of medications for any reason. They have lead to numerous myths about ADHD.

One myth that I will be disproving of the organization called Able Child. They claim that ADHD is not a disease therefore it is a fraud. They are actually correct in the fact that ADHD is not a disease...