Not fake, just not nearly as widespread as it looks. There are no doubt a lot of false diagnoses, and there probably *is* a negative effect to the medication for those who don’t need it. But, there are people who genuinely have the problem, and for whom the medication is warranted. Like me.
I was diagnosed with ADD (non-hyperactive) back in the 80s as a junior in high school. I had been getting Cs and Ds (and more than a few Fs), despite being far more capable than many of my peers. After more than 6 months of evaluation at Umass Medical Worcester, I was put on Ritalin, and almost immediately saw results. I was diagnosed halfway through junior year, with a GPA in the 2.5 range, and was getting all As by the end of that year. I made honor roll my senior year, and my SAT qualified me for Mensa. I stopped taking the medication once I finished college, and have so far not needed it since. I even managed to get a Masters Cum Laude through distance learning without it, due to the learning skills I was able to internalize back when I had been taking medication.
I had my school problems starting in the first grade in the early 50s. By Junior high I was spending as much time in the headmistress’s office as in class. Threats did no good. I could be good for a couple weeks and then go off my trolly. I never did anything really bad, but The woman told my parents that I was like a fly buzzing around her head. She said I should see a Dr. Unfortunately, ADHD had not been discovered yet. I was an introvert and had few friends. I didn’t want anyone to know what condition I was in—they would think I was crazy . This is real, but I would say it affects about one per cent or less of the population. It is rare for a female to have ADHD. I am 70 and still disorganized and spend much of my time doing unproductive tasks.
Long ago, back in my former life as a teacher, I saw that same thing several times. I had a kid who was pretty bright but never accomplished anything. Not hyper but never attentive. Never completed assignments, test, homework. One day, he started volunteering answers in class, taking notes, and his grades quickly shot up. No, he didn't seem stoned, he seemed alive finally.
I had several just like him over the years. I see less like that, so I am sure the meds are doing well for them.
I talked to his mother a few weeks later and she mentioned that he was on the med and asked me how he was doing. I was able to tell tell her when he began.
I had another kid who was just like him a couple years later who didn't want to take any medicine. He accomplished little in his classes.