The Internet: A Place for Different Voices in Health and Medicine? A Case Study of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
| Pages | 33-40 |
| Date | 01 March 2008 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/13619322200800006 |
| Published date | 01 March 2008 |
| Author | Pooria Foroushani |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
Abstract
Lay people might disagree with the ‘formal’ knowledge of medicine produced in medical schools and the internet
has provided an opportunity for them to present their ideas. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a new
concept and has always been a controversial topic. Many people are presenting their views regarding ADHD on the
web. This article explores a sample of ADHD-related materials found by Google and evaluates the possible effects
that different voices may have on ‘formal’ knowledge.
Key words
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, internet, Google, media, health professional, lay people
Pooria Sarrami Foroushani MD, PhD candidate
University of Nottingham, UK, and University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Iran (Islamic Republic of)
The Internet: A Place for Different
Voices in Health and Medicine?
A Case Study of Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
biological diagnosis method has yet been
established
nstimulant drugs, on the one hand,are considered
safe (when they are widely prescribed for
children), and on the other hand,their distribution
is highly controlled and they are classified as
schedule II drugs (ie drugs that could potentially
be abused)
nstimulant drugs do not cure the situation and
are a symptomatic treatment
ndepending on the social and environmental
situation, signs and symptoms of this disorder
might become an advantage for the patient
ndepending on the social and environmental
situation, signs and symptoms of the disorder
might decrease and even disappear.
Therefore, some believe there is a conspiracy and
suggest that drug companies are using medical
definitions to legitimate their products (Timimi &
Taylor, 2004; Baughman & Hovey, 2006).These
’anti-medical’ claims can be produced and used by
both lay people and professionals via the internet.
Healthcare professionals complain of myths and
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a
common psychiatry disorder,which was initially defined
for children but is now introduced and legitimated for
adults as well. Based on its medical model, three to
five per cent of people are inattentive, hyperactive
and impulsive. In past decades,despite constant
uncertainties and even opposing views towards ADHD
(Janos, 1978; Dube,1993; Barbaresi et al, 2004;
Perring,1997; Jensen, 2000), application of this
diagnosis has increased considerably (Robison et al,
1999; Faraone et al, 2003).
This disorder has the following characters that
predispose it to controversies:
nits introduction has led to drug treatment for
millions of children around the world
ndiagnosis and treatment is usually demanded by
others (parents, teachers,etc), not the patients
nthe disorder does not have an actual start and end;
its signs and symptoms are with the patient for life
nits signs and symptoms could be found in
everybody; and it is only their ’quantity’ that
make the difference between patients and others
ntreatment of ADHD is biological, and it is claimed
that the disorder has biological basis, but no
Mental Health Review Journal Volume 13 Issue 1 March 2008 © Pavilion Journals (Brighton) Ltd 33
RESEARCH
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