DEBUNKING THE SCIENCE BEHIND ADHD as a "Brain Disorder" is an episode in which I decided to read a letter from Dr. Albert Galves, Ph.D. & Dr. David D. Walker, Ph.D. to Dr. Rubenstein of The [ADHD] Brochure Project at the APA in 2003.

Their letter is a description of the flaws in the scientific evidence that is used to support the belief that ADHD is a neuro-chemical disorder that is present from birth and that has nothing to do with inadequate nurturance during childhood, difficult family environments or oppressive and inhumane educational and community environments. It also describes the harm that is done by these beliefs and the treatment approaches based on them.

Their letter, which is signed by members of the International Center for the Study of Psychiatry and Psychology (ICSPP) and psychologist/members of the American Psychological Association, is a reply to a letter of March 17, 2002 which was sent by Dr. Alice Rubenstein to Dr. Albert Galves, a member of ICSPP.

Dr. Rubenstein was the Director of The Brochure Project, a joint effort of Division 29 (Psychotherapy) of the APA and Celltech Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to publish and distribute brochures on Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

In a letter of February 16, 2002, Dr. Galves had expressed concerns about the following three statements that appear in the brochures:

1) “ADD/ADHD is generally considered a neuro-chemical disorder.”

2) “Most people with ADD/ADHD are born with the disorder, though it may not be recognized until adulthood.”

3) “ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, a difficult family environment, poor teaching or inadequate nutrition.”

In her reply, Dr. Rubenstein included information and supporting references provided to her by Drs. Robert Resnick and Kallman Heller of Division 29.

The letter that we link to below was drafted by Dr. Galves ([email protected]) and Dr. David Walker ([email protected]) of the ICSPP.

To read the letter, visit https://www.ablechild.org/2013/08/11/11-psychologists-refute-3-deceptive-statements-on-adhd/

Another source for the letter: https://academyanalyticarts.org/galves-debunking-science-behind-adhd

A short blurb on Celltech Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: https://www.careersinpharmaceutical.com/celltech-pharmaceuticals-inc-listing-7586.htm

For more information on our podcast, please visit www.adhdisover.com