Disorder NOT Disease

Disorder NOT Disease

ADHD is a disruptive behavior disorder not a neurological disease. Yes, the difference is important, and yes we will explain why.

First the definitions.

Disease: A pathological condition of a part, organ, or system of an organism resulting from various causes, such as infection, genetic defect, or environmental stress, and characterized by an identifiable group of signs or symptoms.

Disorder: An ailment that affects the function of mind or body.

The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown. Research suggests that it is related to genetic factors. This research has not identified a gene that causes the disorder, although there have been studies observing the brain and showing links between ADHD, brain structure, and brain chemistry. 

ADHD can not be diagnosed by blood work, lab tests, brain scans, chemical imbalance tests, or any other clinical means. It is diagnosed by observing behavior, and assessed based on the criteria of the DSM-IV manual (see Symptoms Checklist). This manual has been updated several times over the years, redefining the symptoms needed to diagnose a patient with ADHD. As the DSM's list of symptoms has broadened with the revision of the DSM-III in 1987 and release of the DSM-IV in 1994, the number of diagnoses has increased along with the consumption of prescription medication. 

Other countries have adopted a different approach to ADHD classifying it as a psycho-social disorder not a biological disorder. This is important as other countries rely less on prescription medication to treat ADHD, and more on other forms of treatment. 

With the dangerous side effects and even habit forming tendency of ADHD prescriptions, we encourage our readers to research natural remedies and other holistic treatment options. Natural ADHD treatments are also helpful for those who experience some symptoms of the disorder but not enough to receive an official diagnosis.

Check out our natural treatments page for some suggestions. If you have a natural treatment that has been affective in treating your ADHD, please share in the comments section below.


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