Is labeling a child with Attention Deficit Disorder Really Necessary?

Question

Thinking back, I was a hyper child in school. Never was given medication but was punished when I acted up. (whipping). Now when some children with alot of energy become restless in school, or a mother can't control them, they are taken to a doctor. Doctors perform a theroized test on them and say they are in need of meds to slow them down. I really think this is a crock. Do you think it is necessary? And yes, I have researched this before asking. I want to know what you think.

Answer 1

ADD and ADHA are probably the most abused designations used in dealing with children. Probably better that half the kids who have that designation have no such condition. It is an easy way to get a Dr. to prescribe Ritalin or some other amphet. These drugs have a supposedly calming (paradoxical) effect. What they actually do is so overload the kid's nervious system that she/he appears calm.

Answer 2

With today's children-it's becoming very common to hear that a child has ADD or ADHD, and see them put on medication. I've taken several classes on handling children with ADD/ADHD and I agree with you to a point. Some children truly have ADD/ADHD, however I would have a second opinion performed as well as try traditional methods such as letting them "run"/play the energy out in the sun, getting them involved in crafts and sports, and monitoring the reaction of certain foods that you feed them-before actually placing them on meds, because the long term effects of the medications can be seen into adulthood.

Answer 3

You do pose both a Medical and Ethical question that has been in the media attention of recent years. "Does Johnny act up because he does not get any attention at home or is he fidgety because he has no attention to the ideas being discussed in this class?"
To gain an idea toward your answer, you might consider researching what is at the cause of whatever situation.
The question of "Which came first? - the chicken or the egg" in order to find the cause of why only certain breeds of birds are white in color might be an avenue for you to pursue for an answer.
The idea I am presenting is to pursue thinking outside the proverbial box.
%Are you seeking a MEDICAL answer or a "socially accepted" reply? - each one will give you a polar-opposite answer.
LABELING - No.
Whether or not the Diagnosies is necessary depends upon what the person does with it, is.

Answer 4

Yes .... I think its necessary b/c a teacher cannot punish a child for "acting out" at school unless the want complaints or law suits filed against them,

so meds are good for getting a kid to slow down and pay attention.

Answer 5

My son was so wrapped out and hyper when he was 4 and I worried about him starting school, but I watched a 20/20 program on kids being misdiagnosed with ADHD when all they were was sleep deprived because of sleep apnea. The reasons all varied as to why their airway was obstructed causing the sleep apnea. My son had enlarged tonsils and adenoids causing him to not be able to breath when his mouth closed as he went into a deep sleep. After doing a sleep diary on him I discovered he would stop breathing a total of 12 times in a 20 minute time span. He never was able to go into the REM stage of sleep because he would have to reposition himself when his air was obstructed. It made sense for him to be a wired mess and have behavioral issues because he was running on empty all of the time! I was a true believer after my son had surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids. He was like a different kid. So if you have a child who has problems and others are leaning toward a diagnoses of ADHD , go see an ENT(Ear, Nose and Throat) Doctor, as that may be all that needs to be done! Good Luck

Answer 6

It depends on what you mean by "labeling". If you mean diagnose and treat, then yes it is necessary. The child is better able to learn if he/she is not hyperactive and defocused.

If you are referring to the educational system getting involved in a childs healthcare and pigeon-holing a child due to their medical diagnosis then no. Labeling in this case is wrong.

Maybe we should be focusing our efforts on what is causing so much ADHD in our society. Could it possibly be our media and tv? Have you watched any tv lately. No more then 30 seconds, usually 3-5 seconds between scenes/events/commercials. It is ADHD heaven. Even cartoons!

Maria

Answer 7

You're absolutely right.

Ritalin and other medications for ADD/ADHD tear one's individuality and strip them down to a state of no personality. They cannot carry a proper conversation and lose their appetite. ADD is a bunch of bull, for the most part. It's overdiagnosed. Anyone who can't sit still and listen to a bunch of boring school work they aren't interested in 100% of the time is diagnosed with ADD immediately.

How do I know? I was put on Ritalin when I was 7. My mom took me off shortly after, realizing I wasn't myself.

Answer 8

I think this is necessary for kids who have problems with concentration and with restlessness as this affects school performance greatly. ADD And ADHD treatments cure both of these problems and greatly improve school performance in adolescents.

Answer 9

Considering more than half of the diagnoses are wrong... I wouldn't worry about it. If i were going to a doctore that suggested I put my kid on drugs because s/he had ADD, I'd switch doctors!

Kids DO NOT pay attention... that's their job!
Kids DO NOT relax and stay hyper... that's their job!
Suffer through it... that's your job, lol!

Answer 10

parents use a.d.d. as an excuse for poor parental skills they should take the time they spend at the doctors office to work with their children