1

Alternative For ADHD

Natasha Powell
Norfolk State University

Running head: ADHD

ADHD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and attention deficit disorder. The
symptoms of ADHD are hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattentiveness (WedMD). The
symptoms can cause problems at work, home, school, or relationships (WedMD). In order for a
child to be classified as ADHD they must show signs or symptoms that are inappropriate for their
age (WedMD). The most common treatment would include that of medication and behavioral
therapy (Treatment, 2015).
I choose this topic because of the experiences I have encountered with my youngest son.
He has never been formally diagnosed as ADHD. However he has been tested multiple times
since kindergarten (he is now in the third grade) because of the behavior he has displayed. The
result of each test was that he is not ADHD however he is hyperactive. His doctor has stated on
numerous occasions that if he is, his teachers do not know how to properly document the form to
indicate it. The test is based on parent and teacher feedback as well as a copy of his report card.
He report reflected that he was an average student. This too played a part in his diagnosis as his
doctor states that someone who has ADHD is unable to be successful in school without some
form of treatment.
Challenging the norms reassures us that it is okay to step outside of the box and try new
things. According to John Mill, mankind are imperfect and there should be different opinions,
there should be different experiments of living; free scope should be given to a mixture of
characters without injury to others (Arroyo, p.60). He is saying that individuality should assert
itself (Arroyo, p.60). My sons doctor told me that we could try medicine to see if his symptoms
would improve but the side effects deterred me. The cause of ADHD is not known but research
has shown that there is an issue with the neurochemical dopamine (Stewart, 2013). Exercise
produces dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain, giving the same effect as

Running head: ADHD

stimulant medicine (Stewart, 2013). There is one drawback the effects of exercise only last for a
few hours following the activity so other interventions are recommended (Stewart, 2013). A lot
of research has not been done on the link between exercise and ADHD however studies do
suggest regular physical activity can help relieve stress, regulate hyperactivity, and improve
concentration (Stewart, 2013). Based off of this information my son and I exercise for 30
minutes prior to him going to school and he runs and play every evening before doing his
homework.
Constructions of self is another useful tool. According to Peter Paris, one finds in the
Renaissance, the Protestant Reformers, and the Enlightenment a radical new thinking that
provides the importance of personal decision and responsibility also including the value of
liberty and conscience (Arroyo, p. 199). This gave me great understanding that everyone is
different and we are all individuals. I did not want to medicate my son and change his personality
or disposition.

Running head: ADHD

References

ADD and ADHD Center: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Tests, and Treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved
April 29, 2015, from http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/default.htm
Treatment. (2015, April 1). Retrieved April 29, 2015, from
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html
Arroyo, A. (2011). Of Individuality, As One of the Elements of Well-Being. In Ideas and Their
Influences (pp. 60 - 61). Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Pub.
Stewart, K. (2013, December 16). How Exercise Works Like A Drug for ADHD. Retrieved April
29, 2015, from http://www.everydayhealth.com/add-adhd/can-you-exercise-away-adhdsymptoms.aspx
Arroyo, A. (2011). Person: The Embodiment of Moral Virtue. In Ideas and Their Influences (p.
199). Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Pub.