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Is ADHD Being Over Diagnosed?

By John Bradstreet

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Published: 04Jun2010
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Many people are starting to question the rise in diagnosed cases of ADHD in this country. Some people question if the condition actually exists. The United States is one of the only countries that think this is even a problem. In many other nations it is considered normal childhood behavior and is first treated by natural means and not the drugs that we use to address the problem. Of all the Ritalin used in the world the U.S. is responsible for consuming 90% of it while we account for only 5% of the world's population.

For people that do have ADHD proper diagnosis and treatment can have profound effects on their lives. They do better in school, at work and get along better with their peers. These drugs have been shown to help these people. The problem is that these drugs have the same type of affect on people that do not have ADHD. Diagnosis is sometimes a blurry area. There is no biological test that tells us if a person has it or not. It is more objective than scientific. If a person becomes well versed in the symptoms they can fake it. The positive affects of these treatments can only be obtained by a diagnosis of ADHD and a prescription for these drugs.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF OVERDIAGNOSIS?

Parents

Many times parents and teachers do not feel like dealing with a child that is out of control. Diagnosis and treatment is a quick fix to change any negative behavior. A positive diagnosis is seen as an aid to general parenting. It solves the problem of an unruly child. The problem is that treatment usually takes one form and that is to medicate them.

It is much easier when a problem child just stops being a problem. This solves the problem for parents that do not have the time to parent and teachers that feel they do not have the time to teach. What it does not do is address the underlying problem that the child has.

The problem is not the manufacturers of these medications it is the people that use them as the only or primary way to treat ADHD. Even in children that are not a problem it has become all too easy to call them a problem and subject them with unneeded treatments.

Abuse of ADHD medications

These drugs have become noticed by students, professional athletes and teenagers. They are looked at by these people as performance enhancers. They can provide several hours of intense focus that can help get a student through the next test or assist an athlete with their performance in an important upcoming event. This may be something that is too hard to resist for some.

Use as a recreational drug

Many teenagers are buying them from their friends to get high. They consume these in large amounts and may be setting themselves up for some serious consequences. These drugs have side effects such as suicidal tendencies, insomnia, stunted growth and liver and heart damage. Because they are taking many times the recommended dosages these side effects can be magnified.

Adults that are looking for an advantage in the workplace

If you have adult ADHD a correct diagnosis and treatment can assist in better performance and a better life. The problem is that diagnosis in adults is very difficult. It requires one to look back on their childhood for information which will assist in the diagnosis. An adult with knowledge of the symptoms may be able to answer questions in a way to obtain the desired diagnosis. The business aspect

An entire industry has been spawned by the increase in ADHD diagnosis. Some of these are legitimate and bring value to people lives while others are only designed to benefit the business owner.

We have coaches and councilors, programs for parents, software, websites and books. All of these companies depend on treating people that have been positively diagnosed and may contribute to the over diagnosis.

It is the job of these companies to keep the topic of ADHD in people's minds through news media and advertising. They do this under the pretense of educating people when in fact there is little education behind the sales pitch. You should not confuse this with objective education.

People need to understand that this is business and not to believe everything they hear.

In conclusion, if you feel that your life is negatively affected by ADHD by all means get tested. But remember that medication is not the answer to everything. Look at diet, exercise and natural remedies. In other words educate yourself to your options.

John Bradstreet is an experienced Biochemist with extensive knowledge in nutritional supplementation. To learn more about ADHD we have included additional links at the bottom of the page to help educate you on the subject. Or you can subscribe to our Vitamin and Supplement Blog where you will find information on topics concerning natural supplementation.

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