Why are doctors so quick to diagnose children with ADD or ADHD and put them on medicine?
548157
because the trend is to believe in biological psychiatry and to see defects in people that need to be adjusted chemically. Because they dont see those children as persons that are growing and alive and whatever. Because it's just stupid, I can't say it otherwise...
678968
it is basically a trial and error typw thing that most doctors use. I was a paramedic for 10 yrs, the majority of doctors that I came into contact with and the doctor that I saw regularly for my ADD would start you out on one medication and then after about a monthm he will physically exam you, and check to see how you feel you are doing on the medications. So basically neither is "better" but it just depends on how it is doing with your specific problems
591345
ADD is genetic so chances are one of the child's parents has some form of ADD. there are also 3 known groups. this is dictionary.com's definition  \nattention deficit disorder\nn. Abbr. ADD \nA syndrome, usually diagnosed in childhood, characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness, a short attention span, and often hyperactivity, and interfering especially with academic, occupational, and social performance.
483965
To be honest, the full signs that are required diagnosing criteria for ADD/ADHD in children aren't really detectable until AT LEAST age 3.\n\nToo often parents in our society today mistake what are normal developmental mile stones (Such as testing boundaries, strong desire to assert independence) as being something else because these mile stones are to much of a growing pain for parents.\n\nHowever, there has been significant evidence gathered from several studies that suggest a direct link between the amount of TV & direct-stimulation toddlers & children receive & ADD. Even though it hasn't been 100% confirmed, I really do recommend limiting the amount of TV you let your toddler watch. What the studies suggest is that because part of the root cause of ADD is the brain's lack of being able to process information & need to direct feed info, TV is just that- direct feed info. What I mean by that is when kids watch TV, their brains are directly feed information & the brain's need to process & sort out/figure out info is bypassed. For example, (& I know that this is a bad one, lol, it's all I could think of) it's like instead of gaining your energy from chewing & digesting your food, you're given it directly, through a shot in a IV. Make sense?\n\nIf you're wanting some tips on how to help curb some of her rowdiness, you should try to set up & instill some sort of routine & clear set boundaries w/her. Basically, develope some solid structure for her. Try talking to a pediatrician or child development specialist for some ideas & to get an assessment of your situation to better know what would work best for you.\n\nBest of luck to you!
448274
No such thing can be determined by blood test.  There are usually questions, filling out tests, psych exams, etc. to determine such things.\n\nA diagnosis of ADHD is based on a checklist of symptoms from DSM-IV-TR.\n\nClinical Guidelines\nThe American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline for children with ADHD emphasizes that a reliable diagnosis requires:\n\nThe use of explicit criteria for the diagnosis using the DSM-IV-TR. \nThe importance of obtaining information about the child’s symptoms in more than 1 setting (especially from schools). \nThe search for coexisting conditions that may make the diagnosis more difficult or complicate treatment planning. \nItem 1. is dealt with by using an ADHD-specific instrument such as the Connor's Scale. The use of methods such as questionnaires that attempt to identify other conditions as well as ADHD would not meet this requirement. Diagnosis based on a clinician's, teacher's or parent's opinion, without the use of a scale such as Conners would also be invalid.\n\nItem 2. emphasizes that the DSM-IV requires that the behaviors be present in more than one setting, normally school and home. (This is a significant change from the DSM-III criteria - see #Historical background). A diagnosis based on the a Connors Scale completed only for one setting would therefore be invalid.\n\nThe requirement that it be present in two settings is important because in the majority of cases observers in different settings do not agree on the child's behaviour. In studies that used both teachers and parents in the United States, Canada and Australia the difference has been significant. For example, one of these studies (Wolraich, 2004) found American teachers identified ADHD in 25.5% of a group of 6,171 children but parents identified it in only 7.8%
894215
My mom's friend (a child psychologist) swears he can predict ADHD by the way infants move.  He says that infants who will later have ADHD will typically show significantly more "purposeless movement" than is typical for their age.  Don't worry, he doesn't label them ADHD or anything, it's just for his own amusement, really, but from what I've heard, he's usually right about it.\n\nMy mom has diagnosed ADHD in preschoolers (about 3 years old) exactly twice in over 20 years as a practicing psychologist, seeing primarily children.  Both were put on Ritalin, and responded quite well.  Although Ritalin is not approved for use in kids under 6, both of these kids were so out of control that it was actually safer to put them on Ritalin than not to.  They were doing things like jumping off playground equiment and hanging from ceiling fans, and had had stitches and even broken bones several times, despite the best efforts of good parents.\n\nBut diagnosing ADHD in a preschooler is rare.  ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in kids around ages 6-8.  That's when they start to be expected that they sit still in class, and when it starts to be problematic for them not to.\n\nADHD can also be newly diagnosed in older kids and even adults.  There's thought to be a genetic component to ADHD, and it's somewhat common for parents to be diagnosed with ADHD after their child is diagnosed with it.  It's more common for women than men since ADHD has traditionally not been diagnosed in girls as often since the symptoms are usually different (mainly because of different social standards), and the classic symptoms are more often seen in boys.
413432
if the child is truely just adhd they can outgrow it.  but if your child is like mine...adhd/bipolar or is he has the obsessive defiance disorder or any of the other disorders out there, chances are they'll be taking meds for the rest of their lives.
87960
The term "ADHD" is simply a label used to categorise a list of psychosocial traits that Psychiatry considers to be improper or abnormal in society. Psychiatry defines these traits as a "mental illness", and promotes it as a "disease" that requires "treatment".\n\nIt is not a "disease", despite claims or implications made by certain psychiatric or pharmaceutical organisations. There is NO credible scientific evidence that shows the existence of what constitutes "ADHD" as a biological/neurological disorder, brain abnormality or "chemical imbalance".\n\n"For a disease to exist there must be a tangible, objective physical abnormality that can be determined by a test such as, but not limited to, blood or urine test, X-Ray, brain scan or biopsy. All reputable doctors would agree: No physical abnormality, no disease. In psychiatry, no test or brain scan exists to prove that a 'mental disorder' is a physical disease. Disingenuous comparisons between physical and mental illness and medicine are simply part of psychiatry's orchestrated but fraudulent public relations and marketing campaign." Fred Baughman, MD., Neurologist & Pediatric Neurologist.\n\n"Chemical imbalance…it’s a shorthand term really, it’s probably drug industry derived… We don’t have tests because to do it, you’d probably have to take a chunk of brain out of someone - not a good idea." Dr. Mark Graff, Chair of the Committee of Public Affairs for the American Psychiatric Association. July, 2005.\n\nSuch behavioural characteristics that Psychiatry created this unscientific "disease" from are, and always have been, generally considered "normal". Now, it seems, inattention or "hyperactivity" (Hyperactivity means 'excessively active'* -- what is excessive? On whose authority?? It's ridiculous!!) is abnormal, a "mental illness".\n\nFor a rundown of the exact diagnostic criteria of "attention deficit disorder" visit: http://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/diagnosticcriteria.msnw\n\nFor information on the junkscience behind psychiatric "testing" for "ADHD" visit: http://adhdtesting.org/\n\nFor a list of what inattention COULD be attributed to (rather than some fraudulent "mental illness") visit: http://adhdparentssupportgroup.homestead.com/50conditionsmimicingADHD.html\n\nFor more information, see;\n\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/addadhd.msnw\nhttp://groups.msn.com/psychbusters/adhdfacts.msnw\nhttp://www.adhdfraud.org/\nhttp://www.ritalindeath.com/\nhttp://cchr.org/files/7515/child_drug_EN.pdf\nhttp://www.aspeneducationgroup.com/bratcamp/bcadhd.html\nhttp://www.ablechild.org/\n\n"We are not "overdrugging" or misdiagnosing" ADHD. ADHD is a total, 100 percent fraud. The many millions of schoolchildren around the world who are being drugged have no disease." Fred Baughman, Jr., M.D. Child Neurologist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Neurology.\n\n"Parents are seldom told that Ritalin is ‘speed’—that it is pharmacologically classified with amphetamines, has the same effects, side effects, and risks. Yet this is well-known in the profession...." Dr. Peter R. Breggin & Ginger Ross Breggin, The War Against Children, P. 84.\n\n"...But because ADD is so vaguely defined, even for a psychiatric disorder, it is tailor-made for bogus claims. There are, as the American Psychiatric Association’s latest diagnostic manual concedes, "no laboratory tests that have been established as diagnostic" for "Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder." Richard E. Vatz, Professor, Towson State University, "Attention Deficit Delirium," The Wall Street Journal, July 27, 1994\n\n"The diagnosis of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is entirely subjective… There is no test. It is just down to interpretation… The lines
198508
Don't listen to the bullshit person above me. Just another Tom Cruise on a useless cruisade. I have ADHD and I've had a friend tell me that out of all the people she's knows who've been diagnosed with it, I'm the one she truly believes has it. I hate when people try to call it bullshit because I deal with it EVERY DAY.\n\nAnyway, enough ranting. I know that in 1991, the US department of Education determined that children with ADHD were included for services under PL 94-142. This law states that all children with disabilities between ages of 6 and 21, regardless of the type or severity of their disability are to receive free, appropriate public education at the public's expense.  It means that the schools are required by law to make accomendations (differently worded tests, longer testing periods, different testing environment, etc) and provide you with services (allowing you to tape record lectures, have a note taker, etc).\n\nI'm pretty sure though that once you get past 21, the government is not going to give you money or assistance, but you can't be discriminated against as far as jobs go and great bosses will understand your condition and try to make accomendations for you.\n\nHope this helps!
176099
The syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.\n\nThere are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist.\n\nADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can co?exist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.\n\nThere are studies that have found that stimulants are the single most effective way to treat this disorder.  Followers of the news know that more and more people are being treated with Ritalin and other stimulants, and the treatment rates are different from one community to the next.  \n\nUnfortunately, there is no type of medication that will cure ADD/ADHD.  The use of medication to treat it, however,  is very controversial.  \n\nRitalin is stimulant which increases brain activity, enabling those with ADD/ADHD to control impulsively, regulate behavior, screen out extraneous stimuli, and increase attention span.  This may appear to calm the ADD/ADHD person while over?stimulating those who do not have this disorder.  Most people who need medication, that is with abnormal brain function, do not abuse it; however, the potential for abuse is always there.\n\n College students cramming for an exam and professionals preparing for a presentation are turning to Ritalin.  They obtain Ritalin by telling doctors that they are having problems paying attention.  This kind of abuse is dangerous.  Ritalin affects a normal brain differently, and it can make you sick.  For the person with normal brain function, there are many potential side effects including elevated blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, agitation, headaches, and insomnia.\n\nA thorough evaluation of the person’s abilities, including appropriate screening for learning disabilities, should be made.  A diagnosis of ADD/ADHD may then be determined by assessing the difficulties the person has with their ability to stay on task, control impulsivity, and maintain attention and organization.  A person with ADD/ADHD, left undiagnosed and untreated, is at a greater risk of underachievement in the classroom and on the job, substance abuse, poor relationships, lack of self esteem, and problems with the law.  While Ritalin is effective in reducing these risks among ADD/ADHD sufferers, it should be used in conjunction with other methods.
595349
I think you're pretty much spot on with your question.  There's nothing to suggest it's hereditary and in fact, ADHD / ADD is little more than a modern 'convenience illness'.  In many cases it's used as a label applied to badly behaved kids and is often done so by physicians in order to make parents feel better about themselves.\n\nThe reliable research that's been done very strongly suggests that it's environmental factors not hereditary ones and as you pointed out, diet is one of the most influential factors.  Others include peers, school, parents, society, media and all those other things that affect the way a child behaves.\n\nThe general consensus amongst the experts is that it's not even a condition per se but just a politically correct and socially acceptable way of rebranding a misbehaving child.\n\nThe genetic 'link' is most probably due to the fact that children are likely to lead a similar lifestyle to their parents.  If someone is bought up on burgers and fries then they're likely to bring their children up in a similar way.
852644
I AGREE WITH YOU TOTALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!\nthey shouldnt be putting little kids on meds just cause there hyper! i have adhd too but im 13 and actually do need help for it cause i cant pass junior high without it cause im too hyper and cant focus on anything but i heard about moms wanting to put there 3 year olds on meds of adhd and thats just wrong! i think little kids are supposed to be happy and hyper or else there not normal the only reason i would be ok with them putting a kid under ummm probably 4 th grade on meds for that is if the kid is so out of control that there a danger to themself or others cause they dont think at all about whats dangerous thats like the only reason to put a kid under 4th grade or 5th grade on meds. wow im soo happy theres more people then just me that think this. thankyou maybe some parents with little kids will read this and take your advice. :)
724681
My daughter was on Adderall for years.  When she was in 1st grade she was found to be ADHD. When we got her on the correct medicine and dosage, she went to flunking to straight a's.  \n\nWhen she visited her dads house he would say the same thing.  He thought i was doing it to make it easier on me.  I offered for him to talk to her doctor and read her assessment.  He refused but just kept accusing me of giving her the meds because i was lazy.  Well, now she is 15 and the hyperactivity is gone.  We are now just dealing the the attention deficite part and he can finally see that what i did, was for her own good.  \n\nMaybe you just need to ask to talk to the doctor that diagnosed the boy.  Ask to see the diagnostic tests that were used and the results.  Also the schools do an evaluation if they are aware of a problem with the child.  The parents should get a copy of that.  I would ask for any documentation that is available and then work with the other parent to adjust the dosage or meds so that they work with the boy to help him get good grades in school.
344737
ADD/ADHD is just something one has when they are born.  However, it is not diagnosed until they are older and exhibit symptoms of it.  Sometimes it may not be diagnosed until preteen, teen, or even adult years. \n\nFor years, ADD/ADHD was assumed to be a disorder of childhood that faded with the onset of adolescence; however, the disorder is not limited to children.  There are approximately eight million American adults who have ADD.\n\nThe syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.   Not all Attention Deficit Disorders display the same exact symptoms.  There are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist. \n\n\nIn response to the other answers so far:\n\nADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can coexist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.\n\nThere are studies that have found that stimulants are the single most effective way to treat this disorder.\n\nPeople are understandably squeamish about ADD/ADHD and medicating children who are otherwise healthy.  When the public deals with issues concerning children, they don’t want to believe that ADD/ADHD is a real problem that requires medication because it is often treated with Ritalin which is a controlled substance.  Unfortunately, there is no type of medication that will cure ADD/ADHD.  The use of medication to treat it, however,  is very controversial.
1006308
It is estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD, or approximately 2 million children in the United States. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD. \n\nSource: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) \n\nAttention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD / ADHD) is a condition characterized by poor self-regulation. The person with ADD has difficulty inhibiting their spontaneous responses. According to Gabor Mate “The hallmark of ADD is an automatic, unwilled "tuning out," a frustrating non-presence of mind. People suddenly find that they have heard nothing of what they have been listening to, saw nothing of what they were looking at, remember nothing of what they were trying to concentrate on. One misses information and directions, misplaces things, and struggles to stay abreast of conversations. Tuning out creates practical hardships, and it also interferes with one’s enjoyment of life” \n\nWhat are the signs and symptoms of ADD or ADHD? \nADD / ADHD varies significantly among individuals; children with ADD / ADHD don’t all have the same problems. Some may be hyperactive. Others may be under-active. Some may have great problems with attention. Others may be mildly inattentive but overly impulsive. Still others may have significant problems in all three areas (attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity). The three subtypes of ADD / ADHD are: \n\nPredominantly inattentive type \nPredominantly hyperactive-impulsive type \nCombined type (inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity) \nFrom time to time, practically every person can be a bit absent-minded, restless, fidgety, or impulsive. With ADD / ADHD, these behaviors occur far more often and therefore are the rule and not the exception. \n\nSymptoms of inattention \n\nPeople with inattentive symptoms of ADD have difficulty keeping their mind on any one thing. They may get bored easily with a task and bounce to the next task, and the next task after that. Organizing and completing a task is difficult. They may however give undivided and effortless attention to activities and topics they enjoy. People with ADD often have difficulty learning something new. \n\nSome symptoms of inattention are \n\nignores details; makes careless mistakes \ndifficulty sustaining attention or listening when directly addressed \ndifficulty following instructions or finishing tasks \nappears forgetful, disorganized, distracted \n\nSymptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity \n\nPeople with hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of ADHD seem to be always in motion. Sitting still can be very difficult. They may dash around, squirm in their seats, roam around the room or talk incessantly. They may try to do several things at once, bouncing around from one activity to the next. \n\nSome symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity are \n\nfidgety, squirmy \ndifficulty staying seated \nin constant motion, often running or climbing inappropriately \nphysical restlessness; difficulty with quiet, sedentary activities \nexcessive talking; blurts out answers before questions are completed \ndifficulty waiting; interrupts or intrudes on others \nBecause hyperactivity and inattention are expected behaviors at some ages in childhood, it is the impulsive behaviors that often stand out in very young children with ADD / ADHD. By age four or five, though, most children have become more selectively attentive and less active, so those with ADD / ADHD stand out in all three behaviors: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. \n\nHow are working memory and executive functioning related to ADD / ADHD? \nThose who have ADD / ADHD tend to be low on “working memory”: the ability to hold information in memory that must be used to make decisions and to guide behavior. Working memory and executive functioning are closely tied. Executive functioning includes the abilities to plan, prioritize, organize, persist, multi-task, move toward a goal, delay
134720
A condition isn't the same as a disorder.\nTo clarify, if you take a substance and that substance creates a result does not mean that the previous condition was a negative one, or that the new condition is a positive one. Take cocaine (or Ritalin) for example.\n\nI also think that using medications for ADD is rarely appropriate as it can be treated or cured using appropriate behavioral strategies.
757314
ive been on several different ones.\nthey were never really like crack cocaine, although when i got off of them i started self medicating with other prescription drugs. \n\ni believe they are too quick to write the prescription before actually looking into the problem. as with all the kids with attention defecit disorder now. that is something else that is overly diagnosed. i wish they would realize that some prozac or celexa or ritalin or adderal isnt going to completely fix someones life.