Withholding Effective Medication Treatment of ADD/ADHD Because It is not a "Natural" Remedy May Not Be Wise or Caring

In the modern scientific world of today, the old battle between what a person wants to believe and what science calls observed truth rages on.

Recall poor Galilei Galileo who, in the seventeenth century, offered evidence that the earth is not at the center of the universe but moves around the sun. For arguing and publishing his observations, he was excommunicated by Pope Paul V and stayed so until he was forgiven 350 years later in 1992.

Today, physicians who treat those with ADD/ADHD too often are criticized for recommending purified chemicals ("pills" or "drugs") that scientific studies have repeatedly shown to be very effective and safe for reducing ADD/ADHD behaviors that are handicapping and troublesome such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, sleep disturbance, episodic rage, unexplained irritability, depression, and even (when present) bedwetting.

There is a vocal minority in this country who resist scientifically based treatment approaches for ADD/ADHD often holding the wish and expressing the belief that there are "natural" treatments they prefer to use if they will accept treatment at all. They believe, perhaps unconsciously, that FDA approved ADD/ADHD medication is unnatural and unacceptable.

But, modern medicine is made from "natural" substances much as plants provide the raw material for making a finished product such as cereal. In the United States, the FDA must approve prescription medications if they are to be used clinically. FDA approved medication for the treatment of ADD/ADHD is not more or less "natural" than is the use of FDA approved medication for the treatment of, say, high blood pressure, heart disease, acne, and serious infections.

The notion that there is effective "natural" (a complex concept that is hard to define precisely) treatment of ADD/ADHD that does not include medication significantly undermines the understanding of much of the established scientific community that there is a genetic component to this disorder. It may not be by conscious intent, but a belief in "natural" treatment (ignoring the genetic and brain chemistry component of the disorder) implies that ADD/ADHD is caused by external, controllable factors which also are preventable and treatable by psychological interventions alone. Of course, there are psychological and environmental factors that influence the behavior of those with ADD/ADHD brain chemistry, but they do not "cause" ADD/ADHD.

Why is this a topic worth writing about? Do we care what goes through the mind of parents or spouses of ADD/ADHD people? I hope we do!

ADD/ADHD can be a very serious problem, even life-threatening, and children, teenagers and adults with ADD/ADHD often suffer extreme emotional and cognitive dysfunction as well as considerable pain. It does not seem right to me to just let them suffer because of inadequate or ineffective treatment based on a wish.