Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children or adults is going to have their own opinion on how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADD or ADHD - should be diagnosed. Some clinics take the perspective that "more is good," and will recommend a large battery of tests, often costing many thousands of dollars. Other clinics, typically with hurried physicians, will simply give a brief rating scales to the parents and then make a quick diagnosis and prescribe treatment, usually a medication.
Unfortunately neither of these extremes is in the patient's best interest.
Over-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a big problem. There are some children who are diagnosed as having ADHD that do not have it. It is not uncommon for someone with depression, or anxiety, specific learning disabilities, early onset bi-polar disorder, or Tourette's Syndrome, to be diagnosed as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is often the result of a diagnostic "work-up" which is too brief and does not take into account the many reasons why a child might be inattentive, impulsive, or over-active.
But over-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is not the only problem.
Under-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is also a problem. This happens most often in the school setting where the school psychologist writes his report perfectly describing an individual with ADHD, then refuses to use the label "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder" in his report anywhere.
It also often happens in therapist's offices where the therapist is not familiar with the neurological aspects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and only sees the characteristic behaviors as "acting out behaviors" due to family problems, rebelliousness, and so on. Therapists operating entirely from a "Family Systems" orientation are especially at risk for making this mistake, as I admit I did for my first two years in practice.
Some studies suggest that only one out of three people who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder will ever get help. Two out of three people who have ADHD will never receive a diagnosis or treatment. They will never really know what it is that's bothered them through their life. So we have two problems. One is the over-diagnosis and the other is the under-diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder.
You can learn more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, its diagnosis and treatment, at the ADHD Information Library.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
Is it ADHD or is it Depression?
During the assessment process it is of great importance for the physician or clinician to consider other possible causes of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity in your child, or teen, or yourself. In fact, this is probably the most important element of a good assessment.
Is it Attention Deficit Disorder or is it Tourettes Syndrome?
During the assessment process it is of great importance for the physician or clinician to consider other possible causes of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity in your child (or teen, or yourself). In fact, this is probably the most important element of a good assessment.
Child Recipe For ADHD - Is There A Recommended Diet For ADHD
A child who suffers from ADHD is hyperactive and diet plays a rather significant part in their behaviour as well as the severity of the symptoms. Observe for yourself the link between certain food stuffs and their behaviour, perhaps keeping a diary so you can identify and record what food types causes the worst reactions. Eventually you can prepare a good food menu for adhd child.
Alternative Medicines Adhd Treatment Options
Traditionally stimulant medications are the drug of choice prescribed by doctors in order to treat the various symptoms of ADHD. However, these medications often only provide temporary relief and have to be taken for long periods. Besides that, they can also have certain detrimental side effects. Because of this, many people are tempted to seek out relief through the alternative medicines. Alternative medicines ADHD treatment options can be varied. Here are some of the options available to those seeking Alternative medicines for ADHD:
ADHD: A Dialogue With a Non-Believer, Part Five
Dear Sir,
It was with some interest that I read the article What You Should Know About Attention Deficit Disorder by Edward W. after having it handed to me by a member of our church.
Understand ADD/ADHD And Stimulant Meds
Stimulant drugs do not cure ADHD. These medications only help people with ADD or ADHD to have better control of their behaviours so that they can be productive academically, when they are at home, or when in social gatherings. Therefore, stimulant medication can be viewed just as a `tool' to alleviate problems related to ADD or ADHD. To be truly effective, stimulant medication should be taken together with behavioural skills training.
ADHD Medication? Not For Sufferer Who Became Millionaire Overnight
ADHD sufferer Tellman Knudson reveals the secrets for overcoming his crippling disorder without medication and allowed him to go from broke to becoming a multi-millionaire in just months.
Diagnosing ADHD in Children, an Introduction
Everyone in a private practice setting who works with children or adults is going to have their own opinion on how Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADD or ADHD - should be diagnosed. Some clinics take the perspective that "more is good," and will recommend a large battery of tests, often costing many thousands of dollars.
Introduction to the Medications Used in the Treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder
There are several treatment options available to help improve the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Since there is no prescription medicine that can "cure" for ADHD, the various medical interventions seek to improve symptoms.
Establishing Time Management For Your ADD/ADHD Child
One of the symptoms exhibited by children who suffer from ADD/ADHD is being disorganized and having difficulty moving from one task to the next By helping your child establish a good time management program, you can help assure that he will do better in school and in later life
Will My Child Ever Out-grow His Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
If your child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder then at some point you will be asking the question, "Will my child ever outgrow it?"
Well, there is good news, and not so good news, when it comes to the answer. Studies indicate that about half of those with ADHD will outgrow many of the symptoms of the disorder by the time he or she is in their 20's.
ADHD: A Dialogue With a Non-Believer, part three
Dear Sir,
It was with some interest that I read the article What You Should Know About Attention Deficit Disorder by Edward W. after having it handed to me by a member of our church.
Melatonin, Sleep Enhancement, and ADHD
Overview
Melatonin is a natural hormone, which is produced and secreted by the pineal gland. Melatonin plays an important role in the regulation of many hormones in the body.
Successful Treatment Planning for Attention Deficit Disorder - ADD ADHD
O.K.
What Makes a Good Evaluation for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
So you have just returned home from your third meeting with your child's teacher. She tells you that your child is not getting his work done, he cannot sit still, and he is simply not going to have any success in school unless something changes.