The Truth About ADHD

by Daniel R. Berger II

The number of children being labelled as having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and stigmatized as abnormal continues to rapidly grow. Controversy and misunderstanding surround the topic of ADHD, and yet despite technological advances, leading clinicians continue to lack valid answers to remedy the mindsets and behaviors known as ADHD. No one on any side of the issue denies that children are struggling and misbehaving, but how those behaviors are perceived, interpreted, and addressed are regularly disagreed upon. Still, the fact that children are clearly misbehaving, disrupting class, struggling in relationships, and not performing in school as hoped for has led society in general to believe the idea that ADHD is a genuine medical condition. But as the reader will learn through objective evidence and thorough research, ADHD is a social construct (an attempt to explain the seemingly otherwise unexplainable) and not a biological disorder, syndrome, or disease. Making such a claim and proving it, however, are two different things. In his book, Dr. Daniel R. Berger II walks parents and educators through every facet of the ADHD construct and brings them to a proven way to properly view their children, interpret their behavior, and apply the only reliable solution. Some of the important topics the book discusses are underlying presuppositions and philosophies, false claims that are commonly believed, specific behaviors in question, tried and true solutions to resolve the child's foundational problems, important distinctions between the construct of ADHD and Autism, and the history of the label—how children's ordinary immaturity has been transformed into a medical disorder. Additionally, subjects such as neuroimaging and the theory of drug action for psychoactive substances are examined. If you sincerely want to know the Truth about ADHD, this is the book for you.

252 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2015

About the author

Dr. Daniel R. Berger II is the founder and direct of Alethia International Ministries (AIM), where he continues to speak around the country at various conferences and ministries. He is also an experienced pastor, counselor, school administrator, and the author of numerous books on Christian counseling, practical theology, education, and the history and philosophy of the mental health construct. Daniel attended Bob Jones University and Florida International University, where he earned four degrees in counseling and theology. He is also a certified member of the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC). When he is not speaking, he and his wife Oriana live in Greenville South Carolina with their three children.

Reviews

[Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you have a habit of turning the corners of pages in a book you are reading when a page has a nugget of truth or nugget of wisdom or some critical information that you will want to refer back to at some point? I know such an action probably makes many book lovers cringe but such was my action, repeatedly, as I read through this excellent, excellent book by Daniel R. Berger II.

For years-decades to be exact---we have been told that ADHD (ADD) was a brain malfunction, a diagnosis mostly found in children. And because ADHD is supposedly a brain malfunction, the suggested treatment includes medication. Over this same time period, teachers, parents, school counselors and administrators have all bought into the often promoted line about brain malfunction, about abnormal children, about this disorder that has symptoms of not paying attention and uncommon hyperactivity. Psychiatry and the psychiatric Bible knowns as the DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual) promoted the idea for years and eventually the label caught on. ADD/ADHD became a very popular label. Parents looked for an explanation for why "junior" was acting out, creating havoc in the classroom (Or any place where boredom ruled the day); Teachers and school administrators looked for explanation and help as children---usually boys---function in hyperactive ways and failed to pay attention during class time.

We were sold a bill of goods. We were duped. We were told that this diagnosis was rooted in scientific proof. In this book, the author shows how the label was developed and what the fundamental problem is with the often used label. The author doesn't just criticize but shows that the Bible actually addresses each "symptom" of ADHD and offers biblical solutions to train a child who struggles to pay attention and who is hyperactive, into a child who is self-controlled and
walks in wisdom.

I highly recommend this book to educators, to parents, to pastors, to counselors, yes to anyone who wants to understand the label of ADHD and the Biblical solution to such.

[Steve Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Truth About ADHD is a book by Dr. Jonathan Barkley that aims to clear up the confusion surrounding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The book is designed to provide a comprehensive, research-backed guide that offers insights into what ADHD is, how it affects people, and how to manage it effectively.
Dr. Barkley does a great job of breaking down the science behind ADHD. He notes that the diagnosis of ADHD is not a medical diagnosis. It is a diagnosis of behavior. He contends that children lack the knowledge and wisdom for living in the world. It is up to parents to provide direction and attention so that the child can function effectively in the world.
Medication is not going to achieve this result. He contends this diagnosis of ADHD is not a medical-biological diagnosis that needs medications. His recommended “treatment” is for parents to give attention to their children and instruct them by words and example – how to function in the world around us.
What I understand is that Dr Barkley believes that children are not getting quality time with their parents, and are acting out as a result. I hope that this is not an oversimplification of what Dr. Barkley is stating.
I know for myself as a young parent, learning about giving my kids focused attention, an individual time to be with one of my kids was invaluable. I am not sure where I learned about the value of “focused attention” with a child, but this way of parenting helped me be more confident and loving to my kids.

[Brandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chapters 1-4 were extensive, while the more practical information in Chapter 5 seemed rushed. The worksheets in the appendices are invaluable and it would have been helpful to expand on each of them as a chapter in the book, rather than making them an afterthought at the back of the book.

[Camila Andrade · Rating 1 out of 5]

He lacks scientific evidence or genuine expertise to discuss mental health.