Why do you think there is such an increase in the diagnosis of ADHD?

Question

especially in boys under the age of 13? I was just reading over some statistics and frankly am quite shocked. Do you think this is environmental or educators are just looking to label children as difficult? By the way girls have this as well but at a substantially lower rate. Does anyone else find this a concern in terms of problems in later years? It certainly is considered a risk factor.

Answer 1

I'm a teacher and I've never advocated labeling children. There is a fair number of reasons for the rise in diagnosis. One reason is that people are learning to spot disorders and seeking out treatment instead of simply doing their best to hide the fact that the child is different. I don't think that accounts for the majority of the issue though. Teachers are not taught how to "handle" children. I think that all too many times, teachers get into a classroom situation they are totally unprepared for, and don't know what to do. This combined with the fact that to the untrained, ADHD looks exactly like a child who is being unstimulated or unchallenged and you have a combination that leads to medical interference where it isn't necessary.
The percentage of males rising faster than that of females isn't surprising as boys are taught to be more outspoken and generally "rowdy" than girls are. Thus leading to more claims of boys with ADHD than girls. Fostering chemical dependence in an entire generation is a mistake, one that we, as a society, will be paying for all too soon.

Answer 2

ADHD is definately not just environmental or bogus. It is a real neurological condition.

ADHD was common always but not thought of or diagnosed.
In some cases it was written off as the child was bad or had behavioural problems. In some cases it was not seen as a problem and was never diagnosed. So this is not new but something that we recognise now and that is why we diagnose it more.

One of the problems with diagnosis is that not all of the people with ADHD have it severely. Maybe not even most. If a child is hyperactive and can't control their behaviour than they have a problem and is more easy to see.

But if someone distracts very easy than it is very possible that they can just go right on through and never be diagnosed. They will have difficulty and it would be better if they were diagnosed so they could manage it better. There are many adults today that are like that. They are now learning about it after years of high frustration in their lives.

And girls probably do Not have ADD at a substantially lower rate, we are simply less likely to be diagnosed. We are not socialised to be trouble so most often no one thinks anything is wrong..

Think of it this way..If you are not a problem for teachers or parents than it is likely that they don't think you have a problem. Why should they?

It would be a good thing if more attention were given to girls and women with ADD so they can deal with it because it causes real problems and frustrations in their lives and they have a more difficult time than they have to.

Edit
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a problem label because it is given to 2 different problems: Hyperactivity of course most often comes with inability to concentrate. But many/most people with attention deficit disorder are not hyperactive.

I think that calling it ADHD is a mistake because it adds confusion instead of making the real problems more clear for us.

Answer 3

There are probably a lot of factors that come into play here. I think ADHD is often mis-diagnosed. I also think we need to have more research done in finding the causes of the disorder. Some people think that ADHD isn't even a real disorder at all, that it is simply a behavior problem and the result of "bad parenting." Others believe (and there is some evidence to support this) that ADHD is something that results from drug use during pregnancy. Still others (and there is evidence to support this, too) believe that ADHD has a genetic component- kids with this disorder are often found to have a parent who also has the disorder. Is it biological in origin? Is it environmental (the result of "bad parenting"?) Is it due to imbalances of brain chemicals due to pre-natal exposure to drugs? Is it a psychological disorder that runs in families? The search for causes continues...and until all the facts are in, I'm going to reserve my conclusions. Why the increase? Perhaps because people are quick to attribute certain types of behavior to this disorder (maybe because it happens to be a "high profile disorder" at the moment- getting a lot of public attention), and are not spending enough time ruling out all other factors. I'm not sure. We definitely need to get to the origins of the disorder to understand how we can (if possible) reduce the numbers of people having this condition.

Answer 4

G' Day Deirdre,
Whatever statistics You have at hand are probably understating the actual incidence of ADHD. There are far more cases than those reported/recorded by the various government instrumentalities associated with children's health and education. The trouble is that every second child (especially boys) is being labeled as ADHD rather than finding an alternative solution to the problem.
Cheers, Ashleigh

Answer 5

ADHD wasn't diagnosed until about 20 years ago. I have it, but my mom always called it "daydreaming". I have such difficulty being organized. How I ever got thru school, has been a mystery to me, but I did make it. I believe that it is now used to just dismiss children who are unable to focus. ADHD is really tough on the family, the educator, the class, and the person. Ritalin, Adderal, and a couple of others are offered as a Rx that has a paradoxical effect. It is really just methamphetamine. However while it makes non ADHDers, wired, sometimes it has a calming effect on the patient. I just is who I is. But I'm good at my work.

Answer 6

ADHD in The UK is on the increase regarding the number of young people who have been diagnosed with this condition.
Years ago these young people would merely have been labelled extremely difficult now they are ADHD.
This is because as a society it makes us feel better if we can put a label on things; but interestingly if your child is diagnosed as ADHD then you are able to claim from the state disability allowance. In one area where I used to work many families had discovered that this was the case and so had registered their children as having ADHD so that they could claim this benefit.
Hence figures over here are skewed.

Answer 7

Two main factors. One-people are using convenience foods more and more. Pop tarts or sugar sweetened cereal for a quick breakfast. School lunches are packed with carbs and sugar. Most families do not prepare a healthy dinner. And Two-the schools have reduced the p.e. time. The children are expected to sit for long hours listening to the teacher. They get bored and act out. Then they are labeled ADD or ADHD. I find it interesting that I work at a Montessori school which goes through Middle school age...and we have almost 200 students. NONE are on ADD meds. They go outside and play everyday (unless bad weather) and they are allowed to move freely in the classroom. The classroom is orderly and the children usually use "inside voices." The school does not provide a lunch for the student but they are very particular with what they can bring from home. No desserts or high sugar items. No high fructose corn syrup. The juice must be 100% juice. I have yet to hear any kids complain about their food. I am amazed at the lunch quality I am seeing the parents providing. And these kids are very polite and exceptionally smart.
Seriously, why would anyone thumbs down my answer???

Answer 8

Here in Australia, every second child is being diagnosed with it.
I reckon its cause parents want a label for the children they can't control with their new age parenting.
I'm not one for physical punishment, but the way most kids are parented these days with self esteem built up to phenomenal levels, and shelter from every negative experience ( each child must have turn at winning - never allowed to say they are wrong) that when something doesn't go their way they lack the skills to cope with it and parents don't know what to do.
ADHD in my opinion and of many other teacher friends here is way too over - diagnosed and behaviour could be fixed with fair and consistent methods other than pills.

Answer 9

In an education system that has been centered around girls the more active nature of boys is seen as a problem. Boys are about 4 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. It is easier to drug boys up than teach in a way that is interesting and productive for them.

ADHD certainly exists but it is way over diagnosed, especially in boys.

Answer 10

Definitely over diagnosed. Just an FYI, schools get different funding depending on the more ADHD/ADD kids they have enrolled (ie the more kids with diagnosed learning disabilities and such = more money) Their state also modifies what their testing scores need to be as well. Just something to think about...