diagnosed. I was a pretty unique creature in that day, well
worth an intern’s time to visit my school to observe and
interview me. Now, 25 years later, this set of behaviors “…is
one of the most frequently diagnosed, and misdiagnosed
disorders” (Alvarez-McHatton). What has changed? Is this a
phenomenon unique to America?
Research has been divided on the incidence of ADD/ADHD
worldwide. Much American research has suggested that it is
largely an American phenomenon stemming from social and
cultural factors. Another school of thought suggests the
disorder is common worldwide but not recognized by the
respective nation’s medical communities. This school of
thought purports that ADD/ADHD is not a product of
American society, but is just as common in many different
countries and ethnic groups as it is in America. (Hinshaw)
In stark contrast to the voice of the official
medical/pharmaceutical establishment, a google search will
turn up a plethora of information to the contrary. A
Psychology Today article by Dr. Marilyn Wedge asserts that
v