Stigma Associated With AD/HD: Being Labeled Disorederd


by Tina Murray - Date: 2006-12-27 - Word Count: 563 Share This!

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) has had many labels since typical symptoms were described in 1846. In the 1960's, it was phrased "Minimal Brain Functioning." When Behaviourism became popular, the term evolved into "Hyperactive". My question is: Does the current term, AD/HD, specify an accurate or any less harmful implication than the historical descriptors?

From a societal viewpoint, it appears the present term continues to perpetuate a harmful, negative portrayal of individuals with AD/HD. The inclusion of the word "disorder" depicts an abnormal physical or mental condition on the part of the diagnosed individual and their family. This classification continues to create feelings of shame and/or disgrace as previous historical descriptors. Often these feelings are displayed as embarrassment or noncompliance in many newly diagnosed AD/HD individuals, which leads to denial and lack of willingness to obtain treatment or assistance.

Controversy surrounds the evolution of AD/HD and whether to seek treatment due to the belief that the resultant labeling may emerge more harmful than treatment is helpful. It could then be said that many behaviour problems in children and adults result from the diagnosis of AD/HD and having their personal differences called "disorders". The classification of being called "disordered" has caused many parents and adults to question whether treatment is worth being labeled "disordered".

Some of these differences can actually be strengths that may help them excel at things that others find difficult. If you speak with a person who has been diagnosed with AD/HD, you often find they do not perceive it as a "disorder", but rather a "characteristic" of themselves. They may well find some of those characteristics to be positive and very beneficial in their life. How many people would love to possess the excitement and energy of a person with the "H" in AD/HD? How about having the ability to dramatically focus undivided attention on a particular pursuit when starting a business or researching a topic of interest? Yes, too many things may get crammed into one day, or hundreds of projects get started and never completed. But isn't that better than never starting anything? Yes, it could be said that boredom, distractibility, and inattention can be serious issues with AD/HD individuals. However, hardly enough reason to deem it a "disorder".

Under deeper scrutiny, commonsense indicates Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder would be more accurately defined as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity CONDITION. Given the stigmatisation of AD/HD, it would appear appropriate to replace the term "disorder" with "condition", and remove the majority of the discomfiture of AD/HD. The new, more positive, acronym would change to AD/HC. This slight vocabulary modification preserves the AD/HC individual's self-esteem and self-confidence. This allows the freedom to pursue medication treatment, skills training, support groups, counselling, or coaching without being perceived to have, or be labeled with, a "disorder".

Most individuals with AD/HC want society to honestly understand them and not stigmatise based off characteristic differences. They want to be afforded the respect and tolerance deserved, while learning skills and gaining knowledge to adapt in a non-AD/HC world. However, the most important concept to draw from this article is: How much do those of us with AD/HC want the stigma to change and are we willing to push for change and remove the "disordered" viewpoint in society? If the "disordered" stigma is to change, we need to work together to amend the terminology, and thereby, alter the perception of AD/HC in our society.


Related Tags: adhd, children, adults, adult, attention, deficit, ad?hd, disordered, hyperactivity, hyperactive

Tina Murray, M.A. (Psych), BSc (Psych) NSW Psychologist Reg. No: PS0070235 Assoc. MAPS & MAPA

Australian Psychological Assessment, Counselling and Consulting. 119 Keira St. Suite 3 & 4, Wollongong NSW 2500 PO Box 494, Wollongong NSW 2520 Phone: 0437 424 842 Email: Australianpacc@hotmail.com

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