Author: Robert William Locke..
Article source: http://www.articledeshboard.com/. Used with author's permission.
Is it really ADHD or are the children just being naughty? Parents and child care therapists are beginning to ask this question. The fear now is that many doctors and parents are using the term ADHD as a general dumping ground for kids with problems.
Parents are concerned that the ADHD label, so beloved by some medics and child care therapists,is becoming a convenient and fashionable tag to cover a multitude of sins, ie. bad behaviour in children. Their concern is shared by the NHS (National Health Service) in the UK where the number of prescritions for the drug Ritalin , used to treat ADHD, has rocketed in a ten year period from 4,000 to over 360,000! This has an annual cost of 28 million.
Some experts argue that the number of children with ADHD is underestimated and that at least 1 in 20 children are suffering from it. Other experts say that the problem is exaggerated and many children diagnosed with ADHD do not actually have it !
Diagnosis of ADHD has always been difficult and remains so. A questionnaire is used and its results are anything but objective so the diagnosis can be hit and miss at times. Experts say that there is key distinction to watch out for and that is, if the child only misbehaves in certain situations or in all settings. They do point out that this is a medical condition and may well be present since birth.
ADHD symptoms are divided into two groups:symptoms of inattention and symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. There is a clear inability to focus. Disorganisation and restlessness are constantly present. The child will not sit still for one second ! Impulsiveness and inability to assess risks may be present. There is difficulty in following instructions and the child will be easily distracted. Problems with peers arise when it come to turn taking at play.
A larger and larger number of parents are single and breadwinners. The family structure has changed and the single parent will find it a challenge in bringing up children. Social reasons too play a role in that the children themselves play outside less and less. They are glued to the TV and computers. This leads to more consumption of snacks which contain additives which may cause hyperactivity.
The problem of misdiagnosing ADHD has come under scrutiny and medics have been criticized for making mistakes. As medication sales for ADHD rocket, the pharmaceutical companies are not going to complain. Some side effects are worrying and the Adderall drug for ADHD in Canada was withdrawn because there was a link with heart disease. Therapy with counselling remains more effective in the long term treatment of this condition than drugs.
Whether your child has ADHD or not may be hard to decide in some cases. Whatever the diagnosis, you will need advice on handling children. The site below has been written by a doctor who has two children with ADHD. He shares his expertise in dealing with difficult children.
Tired of all the bickering, fighting and tension in your family ? Stop Kids Making Your Life A Misery Want some tips on Health, Fitness and Diets ? Visit The Wellness Bible for all the latest news on Health, Fitness and Diets.
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