Are ADD and ADHD over diagnosed?

Question

Do you think these two disorders are overly diagnosed? What do you think the cause is for the rise in children diagnosed w/ these dissorders?

Answer 1

i do think that professionals are very quick to diagnose these disorders it a label they seem to sick on over active kids,i think alot of this can benefit greatly to diet change in children.my friend son was diagnosed with ADHD they wanted her to put him on medication.she refused to put her son on medication and looked into diet changes and there was a massive improvement in his behaviour.

Answer 2

If you go back 20-30 years, you simply did not hear children being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD.

Often when a child is hyper, can't attend to a task or is fidgety (this could be just typical behavior for that child). Doctor's are quick to diagnose and quick to prescribe medications. The parent can then tell the school that their kid has ADHD and that's why he has problems.

My 10 year old nephew is hyper, can't sit still, is always fidgeting and goes from one subject to another. His mom brought him to the doctor and he was put on Ritalin.

The poor kid couldn't sleep and was running around the house saying he could not slow down. His behavior went to annoying to bizzarre.

The medications that these doctors give (Adderal and Ritalin) are Central Nervous Stimulants----Speed.

Answer 3

without a doubt.  sadly, i think some people see it as a way to control kids instead of trying to figure out what the real problem is.  and it minimizes kids with real problems.

Answer 4

Absolutely. In fact in young children bipolarity and ADHD have very similar symptoms. There are a lot of cases of misdiagnoses. I agree with the first poster that children are naturally hyperactive. Medicating them for it will only lead to huge problems down the road.

Answer 5

I think it is a quick way for a pediatrician to get the child and parent out the door with a mittfull of drugs.

My son's daycare thought he had ADD, turned out he had Autism. He is high functioning so it was presenting as ADD.

I have also met a lot of parents who have asked for a diagnosis of ADD because that is what they thought the kid had...turned out it was poor parenting.

Answer 6

yes.

Answer 7

Totally over diagnosed and mis-medicated.  Dad had a cure for that back in the 50's and it worked.  But they don't have woodsheds any more and won't let you discipline your kids anymore so you have this new disorder.

Answer 8

yes they are overly diagnosed. The main problem is many children are diagnosed by their pediatrician only after hearing what the parent describes and without any further testing or evaluation. Parents lose control of their kids and then want to cry ADHD and the pediatrcian goes along with it.

ADHD is not a bad behavior disorder. Too many parents are quick to assume their kid must have ADHD as soon as they start acting up. Kids are suposed to be active. I have heard parents of a 3 yr old say they think he has ADHD because he can't sit still and is always wanting to rn around and play...he's 3 for crying out loud! I mean come on!

I do believe ADHD is a real disorder that affects many children and adults alike however I do believe it is also very misunderstood and very overdiagnosed.

many of the signs of ADHD can be related to other things as well.

Answer 9

I've read psychology articles that say they are overdiagnosed and it's true.  The diagnosis allows continued treatment (billing) and need for Rx.