Terry from addconsults.com
In response to Bonnie's previous note- I agree that some children are being overdiagnosed, but many children are also being underdiagnosed- missed completely. I agree, too, that a child's environment, family situation, possible boredom, etc. need to be looked at before considering an ADD diagnosis. Pre-schoolers are notorious for "looking" like they have ADD. However, I must take issue with your statement below: "Many parents get frustrated at this point and begin to wonder if ADHD is the culprit and in some cases, even manage to get the child put on Ritalin. Unfortunately, this drug is habit-forming as it is an amphetamine but does have the opposite effect on true ADHD children. But it has serious side effects and should not be used lightly or for a parent's convenience." First, Ritalin is not an amphetamine, nor is it habit forming. If that were the case, then why do the majority of ADD adults and older kids consistantly forget to take their medication? Side effects are minimal and often short term. They include a decrease in appetite and sometimes insomnia *if* the med is taken too close to bedtime. One cannot be diagnosed with ADHD unless a strict set of criteria is met. Any clinician who tosses the diagnosis around loosely is doing a disservice to the child. But discarding the possibility is also doing potential damage to the child. Studies have shown that untreated ADD kids have a very high incidence of later substance abuse and/or anti-social behaviors. Terry