Get Real About ADHD - More Media Sensationalism

This is another perfect example of how the media jumps on anything about ADHD that is controversial.

http://nypost.com/2014/01/04/adhd-does-not-exist/

Harper Collins the publisher is doing a superb job of selling the book even before it is released and the media falling right in line with their marketing plan. Again the hugely frustrating thing is that almost every article and blog about this book does not allow for a rebuttal from the other 99.9 percent of medical experts to comment on some of the sensational statements that are obviously meant as a selling tool for the book. Unfortunately the author and publisher, as well as the journalists who buy into these tactics, totally disregard the harm they do by using sensationalism without balancing it with decades of scientific research. How many children and adults who may have received help will go undiagnosed because this misinformation is being promoted?

As Dr. Kenny Handelman stated in his blog post in January:  http://www.drkenny.com/adhd-does-not-exist.  I was also reluctant to comment on this fearing I would drive more attention to this book, but taking the high road in the past has not helped to decrease misunderstanding and stigma around ADHD in the past.  ADHD professionals understand, as should parents and adults, that making a diagnosis of ADHD means ruling out any other potential reasons for symptoms of distractibility and hyperactivity, as much as it does confirming that the symptoms are due to ADHD. This is a very basic part of the assessment process. But, of course this is fact is not included in these articles.

If you come across any articles promoting this book and its messages, I encourage you to send your comment so people can “Get Real” about ADHD.