Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

» DIVAism - AD/HD epidemic?

As I came across your article, I felt compelled to make a simple note. Children are being diagnosed with ADD and HD in alarmingly increasing numbers and I do not feel that credit can be given to increased awareness. Many of our young children are being incorrectly diagnosed because adults don't want to "deal" with them. If you are a parent, and your child's teacher approaches you with the idea...check it out. Get a professional opinion. Family doctors are NOT the ones to go to. Take your child to a MENTAL HEALTH professional. I was totally outraged when my sister told me that her daughter's pre-school teacher told her my niece has ADD. I majored in psychology in college, so I took my concerns to the institution. I was even more alarmed to find out that this same teacher has had SEVEN other children in the last TWO years diagnosed and treated for this disorder. And of the seven, only one had seen a mental health professional. All of the others were being treated by a family practitioner. My sister (thank the gods) sought professional opinions and my niece was found to be a "normally" active four year old. She is currently working on finding out what she can to locally to keep these "misconceptions" from harming other children. Another note that I would like to make is that the medications these children are prescribed, often have substantial effects on the child. One of the more detrimental, is that it affects their learning capacity, makes them mentally "sluggish". Is that worth it for having a little "quiet time"?
OF course if a child is suspected to have AD/HD don't immediatly write it off; please have it checked out. Some children (as well as adults) DO suffer from these disorders. And it can severly affect their lives.

-- posted by DIVAism

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» Tkuther - Re: AD/HD epidemic?

In response to message posted by DIVAism:

As a developmental psychologist, I agree completely-- the children who are most likely to be diagnosed are those who are problematic in class. Only a thorough developmental assessment with a mental health professional can determine whether a child (or adult) has AD/HD. I think the "epidemic" is the result of increase awareness in the sense that there may be an overdiagnosis of AD/HD and an over willingness to prescribe medication. In many cases, behavioral treatments are quite effective.

Thanks for sharing

-- posted by Tkuther

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