Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have difficulty concentrating. They are impulsive in their actions, forgetful, and often overly active. Some patients may even develop behavioral problems, which prevent them from socializing or studying. Most children show symptoms at the age of kindergarten; that is why doctors call it a developmental disorder. Fortunately, during the 20th and 21st centuries, ADHD has been recognized by doctors. There have been many attempts to research it in order to provide the best possible solution to improving the lives of people with it. The article by Nigel Speight, however, discusses an important issue of patients who are experiencing guilt because of the necessity to take medication.
The article starts with discussing the story of Adrian Chiles, who reflects on his struggle with ADHD. At first, he expresses gratitude for receiving proper treatment; however, the boy also feels ashamed of the fact that he has to take medication (Speight, 2020). Nevertheless, the author does not agree with Chiles and tries to explain why medicine is an essential part of therapy against this disorder. The importance of this issue cannot be overestimated since it “affects up to 5% of boys and 3% of girls, and despite increasing recognition, the majority of childhood cases remain unrecognized” (Speight, 2020, para. 3). Speight also says that rather than being considered a tranquilizer, drugs for ADHD should be viewed as normalizers since it makes lives easier.
He also compares such medication with insulin, and that reasoning allows him to insist that this method is normal along with behavioral interventions. In the final paragraph, the author expresses hope that readers would not take Chiles’ guilt as an example to blame themselves for the necessity of medication for ADHD. Instead, they should take only the positive side and consider acquiring a proper diagnose and treatment for their possible disorders. In conclusion, it would appear that this news article can be helpful for those who are considering going through therapy but may feel reluctant to take medication due to their own fears and biases.
Reference
Speight, N. (2020). Nothing wrong in taking ADHD medication. The Guardian. Web.