Why Has ADHD Become An Identity And Not Just A Disorder?


In the past couple of years, we have entered a new age of ADHD awareness. The stereotypical image of a ratbag, hyperactive little boy is falling away, and slowly medical professionals, policymakers and regular people are coming to view the diagnosis as a serious, often lifelong, and life-altering condition, affecting a huge number of people. But, as more and more adults connect the dots and get diagnosed, the way we discuss the condition is changing. What do you think LiveTribers? Why has ADHD become an identity and not just a disorder?

Posted by on 11 Dec 2023

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  • [0] [0]
    Churnside

    I don't think there is an actual test that can look at some person's brain and say categorically they have ADHD. Diagnosis is based on a person exhibiting certain behaviours. It seems that if a person's behaviour not fit into what is considered normal then the diagnosis of ADHD comes out. The fact that large numbers of children are drugged up with ritalin is a serious concern.

    Posted by Churnside on 03 Apr 2024
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  • [0] [1]
    wrestling collector

    with 3 out of 5 grandsons being diagnosed with ADHD,it is a real problem & does not seem to have the same stigma as it did.I believe the way it is handled these days is better than the past.

    Posted by wrestling collector on 19 Dec 2023
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  • [0] [1]
    AYOMIDE

    it seems that there's a growing acknowledgment that ADHD isn't just a hindrance but can also be a source of unique strengths. People are becoming more open to recognizing it as part of their identity, embracing both the challenges and the positive aspects that come with ADHD.

    Posted by AYOMIDE on 16 Dec 2023
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  • [0] [1]
    CILLY0

    It seems to be an easy diagnosis to make and then no further tests will be done. Good clean living eating no junk food and processed food would help no end and I also believe that there isn't a condition that cannot be alleviated with the right diagnosis to assist the problem.

    Posted by CILLY0 on 16 Dec 2023
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  • [0] [0]
    LeafyGreen

    Heavy metals in the brain is contributing to the difficutlies in people handling lifes challenges. Once you get a diagnoses (without a test of any type, just an opinion) you get given medication and then you get more heavy metals in the brain. Best cure is a clean diet, unprocessed, low fat and lots of fruit and fresh raw veggies. Anthony Williams the medical medium has a lot of information that is relevant in his new book The Brain Saver book.

    Posted by LeafyGreen on 14 Dec 2023
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  • [0] [1]
    Maryam

    Because it’s getting common and people see it like a personality trait

    Posted by Maryam on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [3] [0]
    Joshy79

    Over diagnosed opinion

    Posted by Joshy79 on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [1] [0]
    Suzanne

    I have not noticed it become like as identity, it still seems like just a disorder to me - albeit seemingly over-diagnosed

    Posted by Suzanne on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [1] [0]
    mid

    ADHD diagnosis has became a catch all for poor behaviour, meaning those who actually do have the disorder miss out on the help they need

    Posted by mid on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [1] [1]
    flowerpot person

    might be when children growing up there is more chemicals in food

    Posted by flowerpot person on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [3] [0]
    mact

    Bit like Autism Spectrum Syndrome, ADHD may be being overdiagnosed and becoming a way to obtain NDIS funding?

    Posted by mact on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [3] [0]
    Christine

    Probably because it is becoming more and more common. Everyone seems to want an answer for everything. Doctors are also probably over diagnosing the condition in my opinion. We should be looking at diet, lifestyle, toxicity levels, immunisation rates, nutritional and mineral deficiencies. Not fitting in to society's idea of normal

    Posted by Christine on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [0] [2]
    god1

    we are foster Carer's and nearly all of our children have ADHD 6 children and it seems the way of the world

    Posted by god1 on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [2] [0]
    Jacqui

    It's become a way onto NDIS

    Posted by Jacqui on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [1] [0]
    Kira

    this is really no different to any test that seems to like to categorise and label kids into 'normal' vs abnormal or different. the real issue is that parents have no education and training about being parents before getting pregnant. There is so much to learn and with changing family structures, there is less family support for most new parents. Diet is also important to get under control as too much sugar and highly processed foods impact behaviour. Same with screen time. I do believe some children do genuinely have ADHD and Autism but I also believe it is widely misdiagnosed.

    Posted by Kira on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [0] [1]
    Tara Rata

    Do not agree with this at all. The diagnosis makes it easier for an individual and family to manage. Lumping it together with an "identity" is unfair and discrimatory.

    Posted by Tara Rata on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [0] [1]
    Jigsaw

    It's more acceptable now and talked about more often so it's not seen so much as a taboo

    Posted by Jigsaw on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [1] [0]
    Debra

    You haven’t made it until you have been diagnosed with some condition or disorder. Maybe we could have Keep up with the Jones disorder?

    Posted by Debra on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [1] [0]
    flyhigher

    let children be children they are all different

    Posted by flyhigher on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [1] [0]
    Elloura

    i think because it impacts so much of your life and the way you live, it becomes a shorthand for describing how you move through the world which is what identity is, a collection of things which impact your lived experience

    Posted by Elloura on 13 Dec 2023
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    bmlglp

    It is a hype I do not believe. I wonder if ADHD is so common, what do normal people look like?

    Posted by bmlglp on 13 Dec 2023
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    kez1

    Its the norm these days to be identified as something I think we humans just like to put labels on people and adhd is no different. In a way its good because people that have struggled over the years know what they are dealing with they have been diagnosed and labelled.

    Posted by kez1 on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [2] [0]
    merryl

    People have become obsessed with identifying as something. Nobody can just be themselves.

    Posted by merryl on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [1] [1]
    tutti_cutie

    To be honest you can identify with anything you please these days,

    Posted by tutti_cutie on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [1] [1]
    Celia

    I once heard that Jamie Oliver was diagnosed A.D.D... and instead of being medicated, he started cooking and became a huge success. I don't underestimate the challenges for parents, whose children are affected by so many toxicities in the modern world.

    Posted by Celia on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [0] [1]
    Chin

    This is a hard one. I live WA, the capital of Dexamphetamine prescribing. It is definitely overprescribed here and it is easy to be judgemental but I have also seen patients who live with undiagnosed ADHD until they are adults and once treated, their condition improves heaps. To them, the struggles they were experiencing when they were younger make sense now.

    Posted by Chin on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [0] [0]
    MS

    Have you considered it might be something else rather than ADHD? It was once considered that ADHD was something you tend to grow out of. How many of these adults have abused drugs or alcohol? We now how some celebrities claiming they have ADHD. It's become a trend now to explain away bad behaviour. For it to be real there has to be neurological changes or damage in the brain. I just think it's not that common.

    Posted by MS on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [0] [0]
    Raelene

    I think MS you have hit the nail on the head. There are so many differing views of what parents should do. Perhaps there is a lot of pressure put on young n to be more independent before they have the necessary motor skills that enable them to succeed in the various endeavours. Parents are time poor as a village does not really step in to help when this is required due to extended family wither still working, living some distance away or not willing to step in and assist.. Young children often spend long hours in day care so both parents can work to attain the material items that nowadays seem to be the most important things in life. Kids no longer spend enough time outdoors exploring nature, nurturing their natural curiosity learning by their own mistakes. They must fit into the right round hole when they don't they are then anxious or disruptive having "meltdowns" all of which are quite normal childhood behaviours. I truly believe while there are many children who are correctly diagnosed with a spectrum disorder there are an equal or greater amount incorrectly diagnosed as parents seek information from Dr Google to assist them. Understandably they seek professional help and in many cases these children are commenced on medications. Whatever happened to kids just being kids having a carefree childhood . Are we not all different in our way?

    Posted by Raelene on 27 Jan 2024
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  • [1] [0]
    Ally42

    Because so many things have become an 'identity' nowadays, so it's not really surprising this is another one.

    Posted by Ally42 on 13 Dec 2023
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    ace bowler

    We live in a toxic world filled with chemicals all around us and in us when we eat our food. The childhood vaccine schedule has grown to include all sorts of toxic injections on small developing human beings. Electrical magnetic frequencies are impossible to hide from as they disrupt our health and wellbeing. I wonder why we have so many people presenting with ADHD symptoms?

    Posted by ace bowler on 13 Dec 2023
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  • [1] [0]
    Peter

    Hi my youngest son was inferred to be ADHD affected so we took him to see paediatric doctor in Liverpool he examined him and asked him questions then called us back in whereby he asked a question of us. Please define the behavior of a normal child or one who is different. The answer given is they are all individuals and behave as they se fit because they don't go to bed at six pm sleep all night. And defy you we started to insist on labelling them with an infliction lthe doctors advice was to discipline him when necessary and hug all other times affection and discipline he loves ped raise a lot of children

    Posted by Peter on 12 Dec 2023
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  • [0] [0]
    Raelene

    Such a knowledgeable paediatrician with such logical and common-sense advice. l believe you struck gold there. Your youngest son is very fortunate to have had a consultation with him as were you. Parenting is jolly hard work well done you.

    Posted by Raelene on 27 Jan 2024
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  • [3] [0]
    MS

    I don't believe what the media are telling me about ADHD. I don't believe it's affecting a large number of people. You seem to believe everything you hear! I had a nephew who had what appeared to be ADHD as a kid and yes, he was hypoactive. He was a handful compared to his more stable brother. It's just personality traits in some people. There are many being over diagnosed and the medical professionals are largely to blame. Big pharma loves to dole out drugs to kids. Parents need to be very careful that they don't assume their kids are inflicted. What might be a very active kid can often get wrongly diagnosed. Also how you raise your overly active kid can be at fault. Keep your kid active by all means but do discipline when necessary. If the kid still acts up then maybe take him or her for assessment. Just don't let the doctors give the kid potentially dangerous drugs. Look at diet and if the kids having problems at school. Are you spoiling the kid too much? An undiagnosed health issue could also be a cause. Let's not start defining everything as a disability. Are we going to make allowances for a kids bad behaviour because he or she...appears to have ADHD? It would cost medicare too much if we make more and more mental health problems a health issue. Let's stop the rot now!

    Posted by MS on 11 Dec 2023
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  • [3] [0]
    ere

    In many cases, ADHD is an excuse for parents to have a drugged-up obedient, and docile child. The parents go Doctor shopping until they find a GP who will agree with them and drug the poor child up until they are almost a Zombie. I'm aware of one young child who used to be active, cheerful, fun, and full of life - a normal child - but because his parents didn't have the time or inclination to be proper parents they doctor-shopped until they found a GP who agreed with their diagnosis and now the poor child has lost their personality and interest in life and doesn't even want to play with other children. While there are genuine cases Doctors are too quick nowadays to agree with unqualified parents/guardians and prescribe drugs to perfectly normal children so they can see the next patient. There needs to be an enquiry and much stricter standards enforced before children are diagnosed as having ADHD when they are just normal energetic children.

    Posted by ere on 12 Dec 2023
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  • [2] [0]
    A48

    MS, I totally agree. My nephew was assessed as a 4yo as he would go into a 'world of his own' and think, think think. Teachers would ask him to at least put his hand up so they at least knew he was hearing them. A day assessment showed he was 'eccentric' ie no ton the spectrum. His mother has a brother ADHD diagnosed so was watching closely. In high school he is excelling in maths / science and has learned to speak throgh singing. However, now his Mum can see spectrum signs similar to his brother. No medications dare show their face.

    Posted by A48 on 12 Dec 2023
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