Are We Over Diagnosing Adhd - 2235 Words

Are we over-diagnosing ADHD? We have all witnessed children who cannot sit in their seat for a long period of time, have difficulties concentrating on their homework, talking excessively, easily distracted, and just daydreaming in class. The characteristics and behaviors mentioned are the diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but every child displays one or more of those traits just by being children. For me these traits are all too common. When my son was five he shared some of these characteristics in school, he was disruptive in class, had a difficult time completing assignments, and very hyper. I was asked by his teacher if I ever had him tested for ADHD, and at that time, not being very†¦show more content†¦This is the reason why the diagnosis is so high in children. The rise of ADHD brings many child psychologists, parents, and teachers questioning the condition of ADHD and what is being ignored about the condition such as the related symptoms of ADHD with other behavior conditions, for example, gifted children, dyslexia and disruptive behavior disorder are all being categorized and diagnosed as ADHD. Moreover, many child psychologist and parents also question the over diagnosing of ADHD that leads to over medicating our children, which research shows can lead to adult psychosis (Moto-Castillo). In addition, parents need to be aware that there are many alternatives to adjust a child(s) behavior in school, and at home; alternatives will avoid the high statistics in ADHD. Normal misconduct often gets shuffled into the category of ADHD symptoms. ADHD has been a Band-Aid to many unsolved medical and behavioral conditions. Gifted Students share similar symptoms with ADHD that includes; Poor attention and daydreaming when bored, beginning many projects with few completion, Intensity may lead to power struggles with authorities, High activity level, and distraction. The symptoms of gifted children compared to ADHD have striking similarities and one can be