Millions of children in the US alone have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with this disorder show inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity and have problems with their behavior. However, sometimes for children it is sometimes hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive at times. So, is it possible that some children diagnosed with ADHD do not really have a disorder, but are they just hyperactive, inconsiderate, or impulsive?
There have been controversies and discussions about the possibility of over-diagnosing ADHD in children. The fact is that children may have behavioral problems for a number of reasons, besides medical ADHD. From time to time, children's behavioral problems can be caused by depression due to the death of someone they love, divorce of parents, domestic or domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and many other potential factors. For these reasons, it is possible that many children do take Ritalin and other ADHD medications, but do not really have this disorder!
Whether you like it or not, overdiagnosis of ADHD is a fact. There are a number of conditions that can make a child appear to be suffering from ADHD. Such conditions include toxic levels of lead, reading problems, hearing problems, bipolar disorder, depression, thyroid balance, chronic ear infections, post-traumatic stress, allergies, low blood sugar and learning disorders. These conditions can mimic the symptoms of ADHD, and thus, a child with these problems can be redefined to have the disorder.
How can you protect your child from an over-diagnosed ADHD?
If your child is acting as if he has ADHD, do not make a direct transition to conclusions. Take it to a doctor and ask him to go through ADHD. As a rule, doctors will perform an EEG, a process by which the exact patterns of the human brain will be determined. They may also expose a child who is suspected to have ADHD during a physical exam and development test. The results will help them determine the presence of ADHD in a child. However, some doctors are also believed to diagnose ADHD in children without following the necessary steps. Thus, there are children who do not really have ADHD, but are currently taking Ritalin and other medicines.
If you do not want your child to be overwhelmed with ADHD, you can ensure that your child’s doctor performs these tests, if possible. Children with behavioral problems need to be tested, supported by parents, evaluated, and helped by a psychologist. Who knows that your child’s behavioral problems can be cured without having to take too much medicine?
If there is no need to introduce the child in the medication, do not do it! You and your child’s doctor must work closely to give the child proper medical care. Provide the doctor with accurate information so that he can make a correct diagnosis and make sure that proper examinations have been done before the doctor excludes ADHD from your child. You may also have your child, who first consults, to identify any behavioral problems that may be caused by factors other than ADHD.
