The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc) Adhd - Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

Scott Aguilar

ENG-105

September 12, 2018

Dr. Priscilla Bamba

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ADHD:

Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

        To the masses of planet Earth, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very common disease that is often misunderstood; However, the CDC now has a complete website dedicated to the common disease of ADHD. The CDC website uses Logos, Ethos, and Pathos to efficiently and effectively address the misconception about ADHD,  using the three to connect with the readers appeal to logic, the readers acceptance of credibility, and the readers sense of emotion.

        To begin with, the CDC uses Logos, an appeal to logic, to connect with the reader by using logical examples and other such devices to get the point across that ADHD is not what many think that it is. A Common misconception for ADHD is that it is directly opposite of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), but it is in fact the exact same disorder, or even disease on some occasions (ATTITUDE EDITORS). “ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), or be overly active” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention ADHD). The way that the CDC uses Logos in this bit of information is the CDC goes and accesses the readers brain by going and mentioning keywords, Neurodevelopment, children, etc. By doing this, the CDC has just hijacked the readers brain to fully listen to and to read the article, it’s pure genius really, taking over one’s brain without really trying.

        By the same token, the CDC uses Ethos, an appeal to credibility, in which it is used to make the reader think that everything written on the webpage is all correct, and one hundred percent accurate, even if it is not. There is no website, or article, or book on the planet that is one hundred percent accurate in any field, no matter how much the author says so (CHARLOTTE AHLIN). “ADHD often lasts into adulthood. For more information about diagnosis and treatment throughout the lifespan, please visit the websites of the National Resource Center on ADHD and the National Institutes of Mental Health” ( Center for Disease Control and Prevention ADHD). In this piece of information located near the bottom of the page, the CDC is saying that ADHD often lasts into adulthood, and that if one would want additional information upon this disease, that the reader should go to either of these two websites for they hold the other information.this is a prime example of Ethos, making the reader believe that what is being read is the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, thus validating the entire article. With this fancy trick no wonder the CDC has the most credited websites.
        Last, but surely not least, the CDC uses Pathos to take over the emotions of the reader, simply CDC has taken it to a new level, one that has not been seen before. The CDc uses Pathos to take over one’s emotions, almost effortlessly, much how the CDC uses Logos to control the readers appeal to logic. This has been beneficial in the making of the CDC, since it is a large group of scientists, Biologists, and other such credited souls. “ Scientists are studying cause(s) and risk factors in an effort to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD. The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. Recent studies of twins link genes with ADHD. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury, Exposure to environmental (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age, Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy, Premature delivery, Low birth weight. Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. Of course, many things, including these, might make symptoms worse, especially in certain people. But the evidence is not strong enough to conclude that they are the main causes of ADHD” ( Center for Disease Control and Prevention ADHD). The CDC uses Pathos to connect with the readers emotions by pointing out that children can get ADHD, and that is what scares parents. By using these keywords, the CDC has brought awareness to ADHD, ranging from fellow children, and parents all over the planet.