ADHD

Carson, Cat. History & Discovery of ADHD. 16 November 2009. http://www.ehow.com/about_5071166_history-discovery-adhd.html

In 1980, in the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) first included diagnostic criteria for ADD/ADHD. However, the administration of amphetamines to control ADD/ADHD behaviors started in the 1968 when “hyperkinetic reaction of childhood,” (later to be called ADD/ADHD) was first listed in the DSM.

Though mind and mood altering drugs have been a part of the human experience since the beginning of recorded time, the proliferation of such drugs undoubtedly started in the 1960’s. The United States was in a conflict with which the American people did not agree. The American youth snubbed its nose at society norms and so began our in-depth journey through the purple haze of drugs.

It is not so much the history of ADD/ADHD or the history of drugs that is so interesting, but that the increase in drug use and the increase in ADD/ADHD diagnosis seemed to follow just a few years later. The National Association for Children of Alcoholics advises that children of addicts have elevated rates of ADD/ADHD.

Has our desire to find the perfect high so changed our genetic makeup that our offspring now pay the price for our carousing?

History of ADHD by Cat Carson
http://www.ehow.com/about_5071166_history-discovery-adhd.html

http://www.drug-rehabs.org/drughistory.php

http://www.hopenetworks.org/addiction/Children%20of%20Addicts.html

Questions:
If parents knew the effects it would have on their children would it have stopped them from doing the drugs / alcohol?

Knowing the risks, why do parents still do drugs?

Should the children, having no control over there disorder, receive some kind of special treatment?

Ways Of Knowing:
Reason – The search for the ultimate rush, or the ultimate high, is possibly THE quest for humans to accomplish. While self-actualization is what we desire, a drug high will tide us over.

Sense perception – Today drugs are turned to as more of a coping mechanism, as opposed to pure recreation. Many people today brag about their drug use, or aren’t afraid to flaunt it. They have no regard for what may come of their children, due to their choices.
Emotion – Children have the right to be angry with their parents for leaving them at a disadvantage. But is getting mad at ones parents going to solve anything or just breed jealousy?

Language – Would ADHD be so bad if we did not call it a disorder? Many children with ADHD have an above average IQ, and are very social. What if not having ADHD is the disorder?

Areas of Knowledge:
Ethics – Why should the children be the ones to suffer when the parents committed the act?

Natural Science – Man will always search for a quick and easy way to feel good. The end, in this case, justifies the means.

Human Sciences – ADHD is a “disorder” that reduces blood flow to the part of the brain that deals with concentration and the ability to be calm. This disorder is believed to be, in part, due to the drug and alcohol intake of the parent.

History – ADHD has not been around long, or at least its title has not. But who is to say that disorders due to the drug or alcohol intake of the parent have not been an anomaly of the past.