Abstract: Attention Deficit Disorder/ Attention Deficit
Hyperactive Disorder has in the last 30 years become a
mainstream and commonly diagnosed and medicated
syndrome. There are adults who have been on medication
since childhood, and are dependent on their prescribed drugs
in order for them to be able to function. Has the existence of
this disorder come about only in the last few decades, has it
always been present in humanity, or is it a disorder fabricated
by an establishment that seeks to marginalize and medicate
those who are a few degrees off of ‘absolute normal’ in the bell
curve? This paper will discuss basic facts about ADD/ADHD
and my personal experiences and observations regarding this
phenomena in an attempt to answer that question.
ADD/ADHD
is
a
“…disorder
that
can
negatively
affect…academic, behavioral, and social functioning” (AlvarezMcHatton). “It is not a single disease, but a ‘syndrome’, i.e. a
grouping
of
symptoms
that
typically
occur
together”
(Castellanos, et al). There tends to be disagreement on an exact
definition of what ADD/ADHD is, and exactly how to properly
diagnose it. Indeed, how it is defined and categorized varies not
just abroad between different nations, but within the American