ADHD THE FACTS

Diagnosis

1. There are no objective, scientific, diagnostic tests for ADHD. (Read More)

2. The diagnosis relies on parent and teacher reports of children exhibiting childish behaviours including; fidgeting, disliking homework, running and climbing, playing loudly and interrupting. (Read More)

3. The youngest children in a class are much more likely to be diagnosed and 'medicated' than their older classmates. (Read More)

4. Any doctor who tells you your 'ADHD child' has a ‘biochemical brain imbalance’ is dangerously incompetent. Ask them to show you the proof - they won't, there is none. (Read More)

Drugs

1. The most commonly used ADHD drugs are amphetamines or near-amphetamines (e.g. Ritalin). (Read More)

2. When taken in low doses amphetamines will temporarily sharpen focus in most people. This effect has nothing to do with ADHD. (Read More)

3. Any 'medication' benefits last hours, with alarming evidence that these drugs increase the risks of growth retardation, academic failure, substance abuse and brain damage. (Read More)

4. When the short-term stimulant effects of the drugs wear off there are often withdrawal effects that worsen ADHD type behaviours. (Read More)

5. ADHD drugs carry a range of serious risks including suicide, strokes, psychosis, addiction, anorexia, blurred vision, dizziness, stunted growth, headache, heart attack, hypertension, insomnia, liver damage, palpitations, tics and seizures. (Read More)

6. Prescribed amphetamine and illicit amphetamine have very similar effects. (Read More)

7. All ADHD stimulants are addictive and carry warnings for abuse. (Read More)

8. In the USA methamphetamine (brand Desoxyn) is used to treat ADHD in children as young as six. (Read More)

The ADHD Industry

1. ADHD is big business. Pharmaceutical companies sold an estimated US$22.5Billion ADHD drugs in 2021. (Read More)

2. The world's ten most influential 'ADHD experts' have all accepted funding from multiple ADHD drug manufacturers. (Read More)

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The ugly truth about ADHD is that the label is unscientific and stigmatising - teaching kids to believe their brains are broken. Worse still the amphetamines and other drugs used to treat it damage developing brains and bodies. Yes, some children diagnosed with ADHD do have real problems. They need responses that match their individual circumstances. This requires the adults in their lives (parents, teachers and doctors) to realise pills mask problems and don't deal with underlying causes.

Adult ADHD - Many adults diagnosed with ADHD are never properly informed about the unscientific nature of the diagnosis and the risks of treatment. They mistakenly believe there are scientifically valid diagnostic 'tests' and that the near universal temporary effects of 'medications' are unique to those with ADHD. This constitutes an abuse of their right to 'informed consent'.

Nonetheless, some adults who have been fully informed choose to self-identify as having ADHD and to take drugs. This is their choice. It does not legitimise ADHD as a 'neurodevelopmental disorder' or suggest that the drugs are safe and effective for either children or adults in the long-term.

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