Detecting ADHD

If you were to ask me a couple of years ago whether I thought detecting ADHD would become easier or harder I would have said much easier. I am sad to report that doesn't seem to be the case.

That said, the number of prescriptions written for stimulant ADHD has increased by almost 5 percent and continues to chug along at about that pace from year to year with a staggering 12 million prescriptions written last year.

There also seems to be a growing divide between psychologists and medical doctors when it comes to detecting ADHD.

Many psychologists believe that the number of cases is grossly overstated and that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is nothing more than different behaviors becoming more noticeable in structured environments that provide little help for those children who may be overactive, impulsive, or slow to develop concentration skills.

On the other hand when a medical doctors observes these same behaviors they will likely conclude it is ADHD, determine the type, and then prescribe one of a number of stimulant or non-stimulant medications in an attempt to change or normalize behavior.

Detecting ADHD - Diagnostic Criteria

Most of us who go to the doctor at least once a year know how high blood pressure or high cholesterol are diagnosed. It's pretty simple stuff based on testing that we can both see and easily understand. On the other hand the diagnostic criteria for detecting ADHD is opinion based relying on subjective analysis.

To gain a diagnosis for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder a person has to have at least 6 out of 9 criteria, regarding attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Examples of these would be forgetfulness, behaving impulsively, not being detailed oriented, not appearing to listen when spoken to directly, becoming easily distracted, and regularly losing things.

Believe it or not these are actual criteria!

Additionally, in the realm of hyperactive criteria you might be asked these questions in order to gain a diagnosis from your child's medical doctor. Does little Johnny or Sara have trouble staying seated? Do they run or jump when it's inappropriate? Do they fidget or squirm? Do they have trouble staying quite during quiet time?

Other criteria: Interrupts others, has trouble waiting their turn, blurts out answers before questions are fully asked, and always on the go.

Additionally, these behaviors must be severe enough to provide a noticeable disadvantage in 2 or more settings; normally home and school.

As you can see our criteria for detecting ADHD that was supposed to be nine has morphed into double digits once we expand the basic symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

When you get right down to it the little girl sitting on the back row dreaming about her latest pop star idol, the little boy filled with energy who no longer has gym or recess to release his extra energy, or the child who continually loses his homework all have a head start on gaining a diagnosis, especially if their behaviors don't conform with the status quo.

Much of the early research on ADHD was conducted by major drug companies but today it seems that one of the few groups really turning out ground breaking research is the National Institute of Mental Health.

If you are the parent of a child that either has ADHD, or is believed to have the condition, and are thing about placing them on harsh prescription medications you should read this next paragraph from the NIMH.

Using brain imaging technology like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), scientists have observed that in some children, ADHD may be related to how the brain is wired or how it is structured. For other children with ADHD, brain development (primarily in the frontal cortex) follows a normal but delayed pattern. In certain regions, development is delayed by an average of 3 years compared to children without the disorder.

In conclusion, detecting ADHD may not be all that difficult but what may be difficult is determining whether it is a developmental issue that will correct itself over due time or something more.

Certainly, if it a normal developmental issue most parents likely would choose to treat the condition with side effect free non-prescription alternatives such as behavioral therapy and/or homeopathic natural remedies.

Robert D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic consumer advocate for natural health and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field.
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