ADHD Does not Exist
The Truth About Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder
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2.4 • 16 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
In this groundbreaking and controversial book, behavioral neurologist Dr. Richard Saul draws on five decades of experience treating thousands of patients labeled with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder—one of the fastest growing and widely diagnosed conditions today—to argue that ADHD is actually a cluster of symptoms stemming from over 20 other conditions and disorders.
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 6.4 million children between the ages of four and seventeen have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. While many skeptics believe that ADHD is a fabrication of drug companies and the medical establishment, the symptoms of attention-deficit and hyperactivity are all too real for millions of individuals who often cannot function without treatment. If ADHD does not exist, then what is causing these debilitating symptoms?
Over the course of half a century, physician Richard Saul has worked with thousands of patients demonstrating symptoms of ADHD. Based on his experience, he offers a shocking conclusion: ADHD is not a condition on its own, but rather a symptom complex caused by over twenty separate conditions—from poor eyesight and giftedness to bipolar disorder and depression—each requiring its own specific treatment. Drawing on in-depth scientific research and real-life stories from his numerous patients, ADHD Does not Exist synthesizes Dr. Saul's findings, and offers and clear advice for everyone seeking answers.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Saul, a behavioral neurologist with 50 years of clinical practice, isn't joking around; after noting that 11% of American children are diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder a 40% increase in a decade he makes the provocative claim that, "among the millions of people diagnosed, not one of them actually has ADHD." This matters for many reasons, particularly in that treatment for real disorders is delayed when ADHD is diagnosed and two-thirds of children diagnosed with ADHD take powerful stimulants with potentially debilitating side effects. Saul takes readers parents, teachers, physicians on a fascinating tour of conditions that share symptoms with ADHD. Children with Tourette's disorder misdiagnosed as ADHD can experience amplified tics on ADHD stimulants. Other conditions with ADHD-like symptoms include undiagnosed hearing, sight, and sleep problems; undiagnosed giftedness, learning disabilities, mood and sensory processing disorders even allergies. While few would argue with Saul's contention that overdiagnosis is rampant, his uncompromising main theme will concern clinicians who regularly deal with the condition, whose criteria in the (much fought over) industry bible, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, were recently loosened. Nevertheless, parents will be better armed to ask more of the right questions after reading Saul's book, which should spark much debate.
Customer Reviews
Really Interesting
The author stays on point and really knows how to write an essay.
Lack of support
There is clinical studies out there to support the claim of adhd. This goes back about hundred years ago. Some people just do not believe in up to date diagnosis. Its hard to believe what you don’t understand. Sad that the gerenal population is stuck in the same rutt. I do not agree with his overall evaluation, but he can be entitled to his own closed minded opinion. Yes there is comorbid secondary diagnosis, but not a cluster of 20 disorders. Just seems a little far fetched and does not some much info or insight to be convincing. His perception is distorted, having sufficient evidence would futher better your determination. Dr. Russell Barkley and Dr. Charles Parker would better reference readers than this study. Its a work in progress and knowing a little about exective functing and enviormental issues and brain function. Sounds like that person off the street that always says everyone has adhd. That’s not the case, ive heard his over and over. Really a lack of edjucation in that specific area.
ADHD is real
This book is not saying ADHD does not exist. Usually ADHD is a symptom associated with other disorders. My son receives his ADHD meds from a neuro psychiatrist. There are neuro psychologists in the office as well. These trained professionals have studied to be where they are. One of the PAs in our office was a PA in a pediatrician's office first before going into this job. ADHD is really a list of behaviors that can be subjective. Others may not see the behaviors you see. I have 2 children with ADHD. Their behaviors are completely different.