ADHD based on junk science that reclassifies childhood behaviour

A general practitioner in Salford, Manchester, has been told he must not diagnose children with so-called ‘Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder’, (ADHD) and must refer them to a qualified consultant instead. He was allegedly ‘treating’ children against NHS guidelines.

On the surface, this would appear to be a sensible decision, based on the understanding that a consultant is more experienced and more knowledgeable in the diagnosis. However, when you are fully informed about ADHD and how the diagnosis came into existence, you come to realise it’s a quite bizarre situation.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a GP, a consultant psychiatrist, or a paediatrician seeing the child suspected of having so-called ADHD, because there are no physical tests that can be carried out to support its existence. Children are labelled with ADHD if they fit the diagnostic criteria listed in psychiatric textbooks, but, if you took the time to read the criteria, you would see that it is reflective of normal childhood behaviour.

It is a dangerous time when a society allows children to be chemically restrained on the basis of opinions that have reclassified boisterous, argumentative, or disruptive behaviour.

ADHD was voted into existence in 1987 at a meeting of the American Psychiatric Association. That’s consensus — not science. At the end of the day, when you strip away the psychiatric spin regarding ADHD, you’re left with a pile of junk science that belongs in the junkyard.

Brian Daniels

National Spokesperson

Citizens Commission on Human Rights

East Grinstead, UK