Rey Kistler

Senior Project Advisor

Lindsay Foreman-Murray

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2022

Keywords

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, social model of disability, medical model of disability, stereotypes

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by issues with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The medical model of disability sees ADHD as something to be fixed within an individual. The social model, in contrast, looks at how the organization of society negatively impacts those with ADHD. The diagnostic criteria in the DSM-V does not fully reflect the lived experiences of those with ADHD which leads to adults not getting diagnosed. Undiagnosed ADHD can cause anxiety and depression which, in turn, can mask ADHD—making it harder to accurately diagnose. Additionally, symptoms are misunderstood by society which leads to harmful stereotypes. These stereotypes create barriers to care for people with ADHD by perpetuating the idea that ADHD is harmless. Going forward, the criteria in the DSM-V should be reassessed and adult-specific criteria added. A new name might be in order to facilitate the movement away from harmful stereotypes and towards a more compassionate understand of the struggles faced by those who live with ADHD.

Subjects - Topical (LCSH)

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder--Diagnosis; Attention-deficit-disordered adults; Stereotypes (Social psychology)

Subjects - Names (LCNAF)

Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed

Genre/Form

essays

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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