ADHD: Out of Control Kids 2003
Distributed by Filmakers Library, 124 East 40th Street, New York, NY 10016; 202-808-4980
Produced by Vincent Burke, Top Shelf Productions
Directed by Sue Younger
VHS, color, 43 min.
College - Adult
Disability Studies, Education, Learning Disabilities, Psychology
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Margaret M. Reed, Riley-Hickingbotham Library, Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, ARIt is a mental condition that is often misunderstood and sometimes misdiagnosed, paving a path of frustration, low self-esteem, and destructiveness. ADHD: Out of Control Kids takes viewers inside the frenzied worlds of children and adults who grapple with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Addressing a broad spectrum of ADHD cases along the lines of age, gender, and treatment methods, the documentary illustrates the complexity of this disorder. It clearly demonstrates the emotional, physical, and social impact ADHD has on the daily lives of those who suffer from it. The film also shows the effects ADHD has on family members who seek a more normal home life and health care professionals who struggle to diagnose and treat this puzzling ailment.
The film does, however, fall somewhat short in its discussion of drug therapies. It implies that the stimulant Ritalin is the only prescription medication available to ADHD patients. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the drugs Dexedrine, Dextrostat, and Cylert have also proven effective in some cases. Also, the documentary merely states that drug therapy treatment for ADHD is “controversial” but fails to explain why.
Overall, the varied experiences of the ADHD patients in this documentary will help viewers understand why ADHD is so difficult to treat and why its sufferers and their families deserve compassionate, long-term care.
ADHD: Out of Control Kids was presented at the 2002 Picture This Film Festival in Calgary, Alberta, which features films about persons with disabilities. Recommended for academic and public libraries.