Adhd as a Social Construct Essay - 2344 Words

ADHD (ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER) AS A SOCIAL CONSTRUCT This research paper will discuss what ADHD is and why it is that there are those who think it was invented instead of discovered. It will also investigate the reasons why social construct theorists believe that the diagnosis of ADHD does more harm than good and actually diverts from the real issues that children face in their development in this day and age. Also explored will be the case against the social construct theory and why some who argue that the social construct theory is viable are ignoring a very real and possibly debilitating mental disorder. Despite the fact that ADHD is constantly in the news for one reason or another, there is no consensus on what it†¦show more content†¦In fact, is estimated that most addicts like gambling, alcohol and drug have some form of ADHD. Experts who agree with this school of thought are adamant that to claim that ADD is a social construct would only hurt those who suffer from it and delay or deny them the treatment that they so desperately need. It must be noted however, that the proponents of ADHD as a social construct are not opposed to getting to the bottom of the reason why an individual might be hyperactive, distracted and unable to concentrate. What they are against is the label itself which they believe will lead individuals into a mentality that they are somehow defective and need to be on medication for most of their lives. What they do advocate for is a strengthening of the family unit and a more child centered way of life. Social construct theorists conclude that in modern western culture factors such as loss of extended family support, family life being increasingly busy, a cultural system that emphasizes individuality and competition and increased stress from the school systems all contribute to what can otherwise be termed as ADHD symptoms. They conclude that it is for this reason that ADHD was not prevalent until the Industrial Age when people’s lifestyles drastically changed – there was no longe r enough play space andShow MoreRelatedAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essay1000 Words   |  4 PagesDisorder, or ADHD for short, is a chronic disorder of the brain which leads people to act in a manner that is impulsive and hyperactive; it also causes people to have difficulties with attention (The National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2016). Some signs and symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsiveness. 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