Introduction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurological disorders that are diagnosed in the United States among children and adolescents. Thus, ADHD affects individuals’ behavior, concentration, attention, and academic performance. While other disorders, such as autism, also require the public’s attention, ADHD has been subject to more discussions and opinions in the popular press. One should state that ADHD receives much attention due to several factors, including the disorder’s high prevalence, the availability of information about it, and the high rate of misdiagnoses discussed by the public.
Discussion
There are many opinions about ADHD, and it still remains one of the most debated disorders in the United States. It is important to note that, in the US, ADHD is often diagnosed in children and adolescents, as well as adults, with about 10% of children and 4% of adults having ADHD (Odell, 2020). These numbers are higher in comparison to the rates for other disorders. This tendency may be the result of the fact that, in the country, more resources are spent on diagnosing and treating ADHD (Odell, 2020). Healthcare specialists, educators, psychologists, and counselors working with children usually draw much attention to young individuals’ behaviors and contribute to early diagnosing.
Furthermore, one of the primary reasons for the active discussion of ADHD by the public is the availability of information on this disorder. With the emergence of the Internet and popular social media networks, many people have access to different types of information about ADHD, including credible sources and personal data. Thus, parents can read more articles about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of the disorder. In most cases, this aspect contributes to a more detailed and accurate understanding of ADHD and its prevalence (Odell, 2020). Still, referring to some articles in the press, many people believe that ADHD is a kind of fabrication or misdiagnosis. Thus, some people believe that the disorder only exists because pharmaceutical companies want to gain profits from the sale of stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall. However, scientific research has shown that ADHD is an existing disorder related to brain function (Odell, 2020). Thus, many children, adolescents, and adults actually need treatment to relieve the symptoms.
In the United States, there are many methods of treating ADHD, from stimulants to psychotherapy and alternative treatment methods. However, some of them have weaknesses and side effects and can be harmful to individuals’ health. Still, one of the most effective methods of treating ADHD, aside from stimulants, is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). According to Odell (2020), CBT helps patients develop behavioral management skills and improve concentration. Thus, psychotherapeutic methods can help children with ADHD improve their self-regulation and emotional control skills. Other methods include healthy lifestyle habits, changes in daily routines, proper nutrition, regular physical activity, meditation, and stress prevention techniques. Lifestyle change programs can be used to encourage children to develop their unique positive habits and routines (Odell, 2020). These methods are helpful in improving behavior, functioning, and development in individuals with ADHD.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ADHD should be viewed as one of the most common neurological disorders in children and adolescents. The availability of information and high level of diagnosability has led to the active discussion of ADHD in the popular press. As the use of stimulants to treat the disorder is questionable, ADHD can be addressed with various effective and long-term methods. These techniques can help reduce symptoms and increase productivity in people with ADHD, thereby assisting them to better adapt to daily life routines. The focus on these aspects contributes to a more accurate understanding of ADHD in society.
Reference
Odell, J. D. (2020). Medical treatment of ADHD: A practical guide for clinicians, counselors, and parents. New York, NY: Routledge.