An ADHD Misdiagnosis Can Have Unpleasant Consequences That Can Be Avoided
An ADHD misdiagnosis is not as uncommon as some might think. In fact, the statistics show that roughly 900,000 children are misdiagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder) each and every year in the United States alone. That is an alarmingly high number of children. What must also be remembered is that many of those children who have been misdiagnosed are likely to be placed on strong stimulant or non-stimulant medications to treat the symptoms associated with the disorder. What that effectively means is that as many as 900,000 children are currently on very strong medications for a mental disorder that they do not even have.
When one considers that approximately two million ADHD children are already taking ADHD drugs it is disconcerting to contemplate what the long term effects of this mass-medicating spree will be. As of now we do not really know what the long term results will be, although children who have been on these drugs for a number of years usually weigh less than their non-ADHD peers and they are usually shorter as well. Never before has such a large group of the population been medicated in this way.
When one bears all of this in mind, it is perfectly understandable that there are those out there who are concerned about the possibility that their child might be misdiagnosed as well. But what can a parent or caregiver do? Chances are your child has recently started school and his or her teacher has been in contact with you, informing you that there is a possibility that your son or daughter could be ADHD. Of course this is based upon their unqualified observations but it is important to remember that teachers today are more attuned and can recognize ADHD behavior fairly quickly, especially when the hyperactive/impulsive component is included.
Perhaps you have suspected that your child is ADHD and maybe you have even done an online ADHD test to help you decide whether a screening is called for. Whatever the case may be, you should have your child assessed if there is a suspicion that he or she is ADHD. ADHD can really play havoc with a child's life when left undiagnosed. Treatments are available to help you combat the symptoms of the disorder and help your child to lead a fuller and more productive life. Remember, ignoring the problem will not make it go away. ADHD persists into adulthood with the symptoms evolving as the child matures. Your child might learn coping skills but they will still struggle.
An ADHD misdiagnosis, although possible, is not all that likely if you follow the proper procedures. Make sure that you have your child assessed by a suitably qualified mental health specialist who has experience with diagnosing and treating patients with ADHD. Arm yourself with pertinent and relevant information so that you are able to make the best decisions for your child if they are diagnosed with the disorder. For instance, you might want to learn more about the ADHD diet which is very effective and produces no side effects. Look into alternative treatments to avoid the stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications. Some alternative treatments are known to be very effective.
If you want to avoid an ADHD misdiagnosis, or if you are not happy with the diagnosis that your child received, seek a second opinion. Your child's pediatrician or the family doctor can probably put you in touch with a child mental health specialist who has experience with handling this disorder in children. Expect a drawn-out process that can take as long as six months. If the doctor diagnosis ADHD after a single consultation you should ideally seek a second opinion. ADHD cannot be diagnosed after a single visit because there is no such thing as an ADHD test to determine whether or not someone has this disorder.
When one considers that approximately two million ADHD children are already taking ADHD drugs it is disconcerting to contemplate what the long term effects of this mass-medicating spree will be. As of now we do not really know what the long term results will be, although children who have been on these drugs for a number of years usually weigh less than their non-ADHD peers and they are usually shorter as well. Never before has such a large group of the population been medicated in this way.
When one bears all of this in mind, it is perfectly understandable that there are those out there who are concerned about the possibility that their child might be misdiagnosed as well. But what can a parent or caregiver do? Chances are your child has recently started school and his or her teacher has been in contact with you, informing you that there is a possibility that your son or daughter could be ADHD. Of course this is based upon their unqualified observations but it is important to remember that teachers today are more attuned and can recognize ADHD behavior fairly quickly, especially when the hyperactive/impulsive component is included.
Perhaps you have suspected that your child is ADHD and maybe you have even done an online ADHD test to help you decide whether a screening is called for. Whatever the case may be, you should have your child assessed if there is a suspicion that he or she is ADHD. ADHD can really play havoc with a child's life when left undiagnosed. Treatments are available to help you combat the symptoms of the disorder and help your child to lead a fuller and more productive life. Remember, ignoring the problem will not make it go away. ADHD persists into adulthood with the symptoms evolving as the child matures. Your child might learn coping skills but they will still struggle.
An ADHD misdiagnosis, although possible, is not all that likely if you follow the proper procedures. Make sure that you have your child assessed by a suitably qualified mental health specialist who has experience with diagnosing and treating patients with ADHD. Arm yourself with pertinent and relevant information so that you are able to make the best decisions for your child if they are diagnosed with the disorder. For instance, you might want to learn more about the ADHD diet which is very effective and produces no side effects. Look into alternative treatments to avoid the stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications. Some alternative treatments are known to be very effective.
If you want to avoid an ADHD misdiagnosis, or if you are not happy with the diagnosis that your child received, seek a second opinion. Your child's pediatrician or the family doctor can probably put you in touch with a child mental health specialist who has experience with handling this disorder in children. Expect a drawn-out process that can take as long as six months. If the doctor diagnosis ADHD after a single consultation you should ideally seek a second opinion. ADHD cannot be diagnosed after a single visit because there is no such thing as an ADHD test to determine whether or not someone has this disorder.
