The clinical evidence that it "exists" is an interpretation of common grouped symptoms... There can be no real proof that it exists or doesn't, because there is no underlying cause that can be tested for. The diagnosis is just a description of symptoms, like a cough and runny nose. It's possible that there is a 'cough and runny nose disorder' which simply causes these symptoms with no other reason, but it's far more likely that you just have a cold. For the purposes of treatment, it's convenient to call these issues, that are all treated together in the same way, ADHD. But there is no evidence that I'm aware of that shows this is anything other than a symptom of poor habits and upbringing, symptoms which could be permanently fixed through lifestyle changes.
Now, why do we think ADHD rates seem to correlate with lifelong access to the internet?
> The clinical evidence that it "exists" is an interpretation of common grouped symptoms... There can be no real proof that it exists or doesn't, because there is no underlying cause that can be tested for.
Incorrect. Here are 3 of many studies that show empirical evidence for physical differences in patients diagnosed with ADHD.
> Now, why do we think ADHD rates seem to correlate with lifelong access to the internet?
Because we are all connected constantly to a dopamine producing machine that exacerbates ADHD symptoms. You can't see how this correlation could simply be a correlation and not a cause?
You misunderstand me. Changes in the brain happen from all kinds of behaviors. Some harmful behaviors can change the brain, and then removing those behaviors will change it back. ADHD brain is an explanation of the symptoms, but it does not constitute a cause. People with similar anything in behavior will have similar brain scans in some way. It may very well be the case that bad behaviors modify the brain and cause ADHD symptoms. This does not mean it's a disorder, or needs medicinal treatment, any more than obesity is/does. You can treat obesity by stopping the behaviors that caused it, or exercising, even when obesity has physical changes to the body and brain. This means obesity is a problem, but not a disorder. It can be treated without chemical intervention, and it's not an intrinsic part of the person's life. I have seen no scientific argument why this is not also the case for ADHD. I believe the current treatment methods for ADHD are basically the equivalent of treating obesity with cholesterol medications; that is, it's treating a second order symptom.
Now, why do we think ADHD rates seem to correlate with lifelong access to the internet?