B22: Two Introductions (COUNTS AS 2)


Imagine having to take a pill every day of your life not really knowing what is in it or how it works, but knowing that it will “help” and it is “good for you”. In second grade, my mother took me to a children’s psychologist to get a baseline of my mental health and intelligence. Where I am from, second graders take a test that will either place them in “GT” classes, which meant “gifted and talented,” or regular classes. After getting almost a perfect score on the test, my mother wanted to make sure that I would be able to handle GT classes as sometimes I was slow in my work and processing skills. The psychologist determined that I had high intelligence and would likely excel in the GT program, but that I might run into issues down the line.  I was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), more commonly referred to as Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). At this point, no actions were taken and I continued on, accepting a place in the GT program. Some people believe that ADHD is a made-up condition and that people who claim they have the disorder are lazy, stupid, unmotivated, and need to try harder. Others see ADHD as an excuse for bad behavior in children. Some attribute it to a lack of discipline and poor parenting. Do these claims contain any truth?

Who wouldn’t take a pill that would help them focus? Stimulant medications such as amphetamines (ex: Adderall) and methylphenidate (ex: Concerta) are often prescribed to people diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Throughout history, ADHD has been stigmatized as being related to behavioral issues and having no real ground as a disorder. Some assert that ADHD is a made-up condition and is used as an excuse for one’s bad behavior, laziness, stupidity, or lack of motivation and/or discipline. But in recent years, with the development of new technology, evidence against these stigmas has accumulated and the argument against them has become sufficiently convincing. While ADHD remains widely misunderstood and underdiagnosed, there is now physical proof that one brain is not like the other. Since the process of diagnosing ADHD is complex and time consuming multistep process, the condition often goes untreated. A proper diagnosis can only be provided by a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes or is adequately trained in recognizing the symptoms associated with ADHD. How can ADHD be treated? Often, children and adults are put on prescription medication. There is a huge controversy about prescribing these medications, such as the ones discussed earlier. What do the pills do and how do they work? Many people argue that anyone and everyone would benefit, earn better grades, and be more productive by taking these “magic” attention boosting pills. They complain that it is unfair and creates an unlevel playing field... but does it?

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