Abstract

SAMI, Timimi. Scientism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Rev. Asoc. Esp. Neuropsiq. [online]. 2021, vol.41, n.139, pp.211-228.  Epub Oct 04, 2021. ISSN 2340-2733.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/s0211-57352021000100013.

For a diagnosis like Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to be scientifically useful you need to show that the concept leads to the advancement of knowledge around causes. For it to be clinically useful, you need to show that use of the concept leads to improved clinical outcomes. I examine the available evidence on the scientific and clinical utility of ADHD. This shows that the concept does not have an empirical basis. The continued belief that ADHD exists as a natural category has all the hallmarks of what scientism, rather than science, looks like. ADHD is therefore a fact of culture rather than a fact of nature. As the concept of ADHD has not helped advance scientific knowledge or clinical practice, objectively speaking it is well past use-by date.

Keywords : ADHD; diagnosis; critique; scientism; evidence based medicine.

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