Kylie Sifford
Abnormal Psychology
Are Children Being Overly Diagnosed With ADHD
Throughout the medical field Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), has been and continues to be a popular subject for debate. In the past critics led us to believe that ADHD was just a glorified disease for parents to medicate their disruptive and sometimes unruly children, but now some doctors studies show that it is an actual biological disorder. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder of childhood. It affects about 3 - 5% of school aged children. ADHD is diagnosed much more often in boys than in girls. In diagnosing ADHD comes the most heated of discussions. How do you first distinguish between someone who is just high strung and energetic or if they are truly experiencing the effects of ADHD? In the past ADHD was diagnosed first in young children who lose focus easily, have outburst in school and in public. They broke it down into three categories; hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive behavior, or a combination of the two. In most cases they have both. Treatment typically involves medications and behavioral interventions. They began treating the disorder with stimulants such as Ritalin. It’s a methylphenidate that allows the child to focus better on their tasks. While treatment won't cure ADHD, it can help a great deal with symptoms. Treatment typically involves medications and behavioral interventions. Stimulants appear to boost and balance levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. These ADHD medications help improve the symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity — sometimes dramatically. However, these medications only work for a limited time. Additionally, the right dose varies from child to child, so it may take some time in the beginning to find the correct dose. Despite all the research it has been difficult to gain and maintain