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I just read an article about an interview with Miley Cyrus, aka Hannah Montana, where she says that when she was in middle school that she was ‘told’ (by who?) that she may have ADD or ADHD and goes on to say “If I were in high school now they would most likely tell me I do have one or both of those and put me on some sort of crazy medication.”
Miley probably doesn’t realize what she is saying could have a profound effect on a great many people, especially the young teens that idolize her who may succumb to peer pressure rather easily. “Crazy medication” isn’t what ADHD medication is and it is not for treating “Crazy”. Kids have a lot of terms they use which don’t make a whole lot of sense out of context and most of it is just slang. Granted, but still she could have given a little more thought into what she was saying, before saying it.
Kids and adults taking medication for ADHD are not taking “crazy medication”. I get the feeling, when reading her words, what she may mean to say is that medication to treat her nature is unnecessary for her. Only time will tell, but it will help if she puts a little more care into what she is saying with consideration of those who are taking medication for ADHD.
I haven’t read the whole interview; however, if ADHD is the case for Miley, I can let her off, because I understand our impulsive and blurting out nature, especially when ADHD is untreated. That’s the crux though, ADHD is still so misunderstood and remains untreated in many who need help. Obviously, someone of her station, even if unintended, is furthering the mystification and stigma surrounding the reality of ADHD. I don’t think she realizes what she said before she said it, at least I hope she didn’t.
‘One or both of those’? I suppose she means combine type?
Anyway, what do you think about her sudden outburst about ADHD and ‘Crazy medication’?
In all fairness, I still remain a fan! If I had an address for her I would send her a copy of my book One Boy’s Struggle Perhaps, if she read it, she would have a better understanding and appreciation for our reality with ADHD.
Bryan
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I think something to consider is that she may have meant crazy as an adjective more in line with weird or even wild, rather than actually insane. I know it’s a popular word to inject randomly into sentences for the younger generation. I, myself (having lots of access to teen jargon), often talk about how crazy busy I am. I’ve heard my kids (the teenagers) say things like “She’s crazy pretty” or “That was crazy stupid”. When I first read the quote in your article, that was the interpretation that first came to my mind. That is the trouble with printed communication, it’s impossible to know the inflection she used when she made the statement. And the fact that she implies that she could have both ADD and ADHD means she is obviously undereducated about what it is in the first place.
Reply to DianeI agree, ADHD medication is pretty crazy. Didn’t you guys see Requiem for a Dream?
Reply to BenShe’s stating that the medication itself is crazy, not that the people who use it are.
That’s probably the misunderstanding that prompted Brian to write this article.
Reply to BenYes, I do mean that Ben. However, there are some who will interpret her words to mean they are crazy for taking the meds. I try to see the angles and that thought came immediately to mind. Good catch! I agree with most of the comments here that on the surface it really seems trivial; however, there will be people that read or hear her comments who are already a little worried about the stigma and her words (joke, from a young person, etc) may provide them further reason to stay away from a diagnosis. Not to mention, everything gets blown out of proportion! The thing is most people educated about ADHD already will indeed blow these words off and not give them a second thought; we are already on our way and know better, but what about those who don’t?
Reply to Bryan HutchinsonVery good points Diane and I agree! She probably didn’t mean much by it other than teen jargon. At least, let’s hope so
Reply to Bryan HutchinsonI think it’s an excellent idea to send her a copy of One Boy’s Struggle! And maybe a copy of this post, with the link so she can read more. Her web site lists two mailing addresses here: http://www.miley-cyrus.com/contact-miley.php
I agree that she most likely spoke without thinking. (I know I’ve done that enough times in my life.)
I also think that sending her a copy of your book with a note that explains why those words could be hurtful to so many people is a great way to share ADD/ADHD information in a positive way. She may read the book and not see herself at all, or who knows; she may have the “Well, that explains a lot” reaction that many of us did, and at the same time, realize that if she does have ADD, it doesn’t mean she’s crazy or flawed. If she does have ADD, she could do amazing things in educating others about what it really is (including the fact that it doesn’t mean “crazy”). Kids who are diagnosed with ADD could look to her and realize that she’s talented and successful, and so there is no rule out there saying they can’t be as well, ADD or not.
Reply to lifeischange“Kids who are diagnosed with ADD could look to her and realize that she’s talented and successful, and so there is no rule out there saying they can’t be as well, ADD or not.”
Now that IS an idea!
Reply to Bryan HutchinsonShe’s just a silly kid that has no idea what she was saying, but she’s had a hit song or been on TV or something, so we get to hear her “thoughts” anyways ^-^
Reply to VincentRon, love your post.
Reply to tereI think she is 17. Is there any other important unanswered issue in your life that you would run past Miley Cyrus?
“Hey Miley, listen, I was trying to figure out how to manage my investments given my tolerance to risk. What you think?”
“Hey Miley, I’m Jewish and my wife is Protestant…how do we resolve that?”
“Hey Miley, do you think I should vaccinate my kid, or are you more in the Jenny McCarthy camp?”
That poor wingnut is 17 years old. I couldn’t count to 10 by 5′s at that age.
I do have ADHD and I tell most people I’m close to remove the stigma from others. There is not a thing wrong with me…or my Vyvanse. I am crazy…but it’s a good crazy;)
Miley’s never asked me for my opinion, I don’t care about her’s either. The end.
-rl
Reply to RonSo true Ron, but what about that little 11yr old who somehow heard her words and took them the wrong way because she is already suffering from a complex and peer pressure for taking ADHD medication or just having ADHD? We are old enough, wise enough and educated enough to know better and besides we understand the slang… still, I get what you are saying!
Reply to Bryan HutchinsonBryan,
I completely agree, however….it is what it is. Sure, it would be nice if she understood it. Most people’s feedback is all theoretical. How does that help you right now, today, with the mess in front of you? You can’t control her…most ADHD folks have a hard time controlling themselves…present company included.
Trust me, I have lived with a lot of embarrassment through misdiagnosis. I’m in my forties and I just got diagnosed last year.
My point is that since you can’t control her, it might be more pragmatic to show a child how silly it is to take a celebrity’s advice just because they are a celebrity. Sure, it needs to be simplified, but the need to learn that concept (don’t seek other people’s approval) never goes away.
Personally, I have fun with it. The talents I have gotten so outweigh the bad pieces that I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Why is everybody so doggone touchy-feely about this? Put your helmet on, get back in the game kids! It ain’t hocus pocus, it’s all about focus.
-rl
Reply to Ron LarsonRight, I do totally think she was meaning this as “some sort of wild/ funny/ unknown medication” , not “crazy person” medication. I use the term myself applied in the same manner. Could be a southern thing?
I know kids can say a lot of stuff and you are right to question it, but I think she was innocent of describing ritalin, et al in a degrading manner. She seems like a nice kid, although yeah may not always think every utterance through. At 16/17 I don’t think she should have to. Thanks for being aware and passing on the comment
Reply to Renee AI agree with Diane. The word ‘crazy’ there seem to me like a generalised statement that loosely categorised people with odd behaviour as crazy. Anyone who are not well informed about mental condition would say that. I couldn’t care less about it. Afterall, Miley blurting out is typical behaviour of popular teenager (and she is not only popular, she is mega-popular) who might be more at liberty to say things through.
While Miley might need to learn about public speaking, I would rather focus on educating the children with ADD to stand on their feet in facing such assault. There will be a lot of predators in their entire life who are ready to attack them in person, with or without Miley’s comment.
Reply to RiriWell said Riri! What really caught my attention and made me post this, wasn’t so much just her words is rather that in the article they indicated that this could simply be a publicity stunt to get more attention for her now movie – now, were they talking about the ADHD comment because it is a HOT topic or were they simply referring to the interview in general? Probably both, I am thinking and she could have done better, but then again, if she has ADHD we ADDers sure do know how to get attention! Ask Paris Hilton
Reply to Bryan HutchinsonRon…hilarious
Me, I have a far bigger problem. I have ADHD but my therapist insists that I am NOT crazy.
Dammit. What do I do? Maybe Miley could help me sort this out???
Reply to Katy B.It might be jargon or it could be an impulsive statement typical of an ADDer. Whatever the case, consider the source and her age.
Reply to dadof3The old saying> “Out of the mouths of babes..” The good news> ADHD/ADD was brought to attn.! No matter what I think about the way it was interpreted..the world needs to be reminded that ADD is real, and we need to continue to study/research the subject.
Reply to Scott HutsonI admit I know little about ADD and ADHD, but giving speed to kids who are hyperactive seems crazy to me. Why not just let them be a little hyperactive? Does it really affect their life prospects? If Miley does have a little bit of ADD or hyperactivity, it has so far actually greatly helped her career, not hurt it.
Reply to mfanmfan: Speed to kids? Do you really believe that if ‘speed’ were given to kids that those kids would fuction better in school, at home and in life? Do you.. I mean, really? You’ve proved my point as to why Miley’s comments were off base and not good for the ADHD community as a whole. However, you admit you don’t know much about ADD or ADHD, so that’s okay, but before talking about giving ‘speed’ to kids, it would be better spending a little time learning why medication helps most kids and adults.
Anyway, I have no doubt that ADHD may well play a role in Miley’s success and perhaps because of her resources and no need to ‘attend’ school, she probably doesn’t need medication. Not everyone with ADHD needs medication.
Reply to Bryan Hutchinson[...] I used the word “successful” in my comment on Bryan’s March 24th post about Miley Cyrus and didn’t even consciously realize I’d used that particular word, or [...]
My feeling from MC’s remark is that she is defensive. She is calling the meds crazy b/c well who wants to be told they have something or think they will need meds? But not everyone can benefit from them. Some people don’t fare any better with meds and some people do. So why condemn them? We all have the decision to take them or not. And so what if someone has ADD/ADHD? Big deal. Some of the brightest people on earth have it. Doesn’t bother me that I have it. I’m an actress and creative b/c of it and my daughter is an artist. ADD/ADHD is something we have,so again,big deal,who cares if you have it or not? Being defensive shows she is embarrassed or just doesn’t believe she has it. But you can’t knock medication b/c some people need the help and do very well on it. My daughter could not learn without it. With the right one and the right dose she managed to catch up to grade level with schoolwork in a year. We don’t all have to agree on how to treat what we have. The dialogue and hearing people’s ideas is helpful,but not when the opinions are nasty. By the way it is pretty obvious that MC has combined type. She is all over the place. She should be careful with what she says b/c like it or not, she is someone that kids look up to. So this is part of the territory.
Reply to AnnMay be she doesnt know waht was she said. Crazy medication is not the right word. Neurofeedback or biofeedback is an FDA approved alternative ADHD treatment. While the treatment produce lasting effects, the patient also does not need to rely on psycho stimulants that often lead to health risks and side effects. During the process, the patient is wired to a computer and asked to play a game that depicts the pattern of his/her brain. The patient realizes which patterns are getting points for him/her. Moreover, the use of a wrong brain pattern leads to the loss of player. At times, it might be impossible for the individual to continue playing. Therefore, biofeedback is essential to retrain the brain of the person. Neurofeedback treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is extremely successful and does not produce any side effects. In addition, it is an excellent training for the long term development of brain.
Reply to thomasgalvinADHD medication that kind of medication have a lot of seconday effects. allopathic medicine, antipsichotic, antidepresives, in fact sometimes they help but this medicines can lead you to other problems, like psicologic problems like suidicide and too much health problems like hypothiorodism, overwheight, tardive dyskinesia, alot of more health problems and even death doctors want to give freaking medicine for everything alot of diseases have a psicological origin.
Reply to cindyI am 10 years old with ADHD. What I think is that Miley didn’t mean it that way. Since she didn’t take them for “HER ADHD”
Reply to KiyaShe doesn’t know how it makes us kids with ADHD better. Every celebrity says things they don’t mean, a few days after she told that speech she said “What I meant was by “Crazy Medication” did not mean to come out like that. Its not crazy it helps us out today with this disorder. I am sorry for what I said.”