==  Is ADHD a Biological Illness == 

 The section below is now gone.  Can someone tell me who did it, when and for what reason? 

 One of the most controversial issues regarding ADHD is whether it is wholly or even predominantly a biological illness, a defect in the brain. The current predominance of opinion in medicine is that this is the case, but the fact is that the cause of ADHD remains unknown. Examples of this ongoing disagreement are found wherever research will support or not support the biological argument. Thus, there are radically different opinions about whether there is a genetic basis. (See below) While there have been repeated articles citing physical differences in the brain of those with ADHD most of these have not stood up. Xavier Castellanos MD, then head of ADHD research at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and firmly convinced that ADHD is a biological illness, acknowledged this in an interview with Frontline Castellanos interview. Critics of Dr. Castellanos’ own research have pointed out that the differences he was claiming do exist could have been the result of medication taken. ( He has since been working on eliminating this variable) However, even if differences in the brain will be found, an important issue is that the physical brain can be changed by patterns of behavior. Thus learning Braille causes enlargement of the part of the motor cortex that controls finger movements. [4] After they have passed their licensing exam, London taxi drivers have been found to have a significantly enlarged hippocampus compared to non-taxi drivers[5][6]. Patients abused during their childhood with post traumatic stress disorder will have a flattened out hippocampus. [7] Professional musicians have brains that are different from non-musicians. [8] Monks who meditate show measurable differences in their prefrontal lobes.) [9][10][11] 

 So diminished concerted effort when confronted with tasks thought to be drudgery ( e.g. homework, paying attention to teachers, and the like) even if not caused by differences in the brain, could have brain changing effects. In “Rethinking ADHD: International Perspectives” (ed Timini,S 2008 Palgrave Macmillan) an alternative paradigm for ADHD argues that, while biological factors may obviously play a large role in difficulties sitting still and/or concentrating on schoolwork in some children, the vast majority of children manifesting this behavior do not have a biological deficit. For a variety of reasons they have failed to integrate into their psychology the ability to work at chores that are expected of them. Their restlessness and daydreaming is similar to the behavior of other, normal children when they are not engaged, and are bored and trapped by circumstances. Very frequently, children with ADHD/ADD have no difficulty concentrating on activities that they find to be interesting, or fun, (for example video games, which require enormous attention skills). When they are taught by a charismatic entertaining teacher, they similarly can concentrate. 

 I was gone for a month or two and am not surprised it is gone.  I see there has also been a constant attempt by guess who to rid the page of the media coverage section .  So far it has been resisted, but I am sure through his usual persistence that will soon be gone. ABD are you out there?