QuantumCurse

Uhm, the DSM-V - the thing professionals use - legit says you have ADHD if you act like you drank 2 cups of coffee or are overworked. Most of the stuff on that Bingo card is "optional" for professionals. I'm not kidding. That cartoon is nothing in comparison to the joke that circulates among our medical professionals. Btw, compare the DSM-V with the DSM-IV and you'll see how much more rigorous the previous manual was.

I'll highlight the obvious bull in bold: DSM-V

Page 16 -

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnostic Criteria

A. A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development, as characterized by (1) and/or (2):

1. Inattention: Six (or more) of the following symptoms have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is inconsistent with developmental level and that nega­tively impacts directly on social and academic/occupational activities: Note: The symptoms are not solely a manifestation of oppositional behavior, defi­ance, hostility, or failure to understand tasks or instructions. For older adolescents and adults (age 17 and older), at least five symptoms are required.

a. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities (e.g., overlooks or misses details, work is inaccurate).

(QC: So, everyone who's not a genius?)

b. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (e.g., has diffi­culty remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy reading).

(QC: This whole entry is utter crap. Some people just don't like that stuff. And who is "focused" when playing as a child?)

c. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (e.g., mind seems else­where, even in the absence of any obvious distraction).

(QC: Or maybe the kid doesn't like you. Fathom that.)

d. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked).

(QC: Legit ADHD)

e. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities (e.g., difficulty managing se­quential tasks; difficulty keeping materials and belongings in order; messy, dis­organized work; has poor time management; fails to meet deadlines).

(QC: Organizing is pretty difficult; many need a lot of practice and help even when they don't have ADHD.)

f. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework; for older adolescents and adults, preparing reports, completing forms, reviewing lengthy papers).

(QC: So, nearly every child on Earth...)

g. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school materials, pen­cils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).

(QC: Legit ADHD)

h. Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may include unrelated thoughts).

(QC: Legit ADHD)

i. Is often forgetful in daily activities (e.g., doing chores, running errands; for older adolescents and adults, returning calls, paying bills, keeping appointments).

(QC: Utter absurdity. There are so many diseases and conditions that cause forgetfulness this can hardly be a valid diagnostic criteria except to rule out other diseases. Even the common cold can cause forgetfulness. Somehow, no mention of it being an exclusionary criteria.)