Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Parents Essay

Submitted By skclair
Words: 2177
Pages: 9

As a ten year old, I was quite a rambunctious child, and as other children were getting over the superficial novelties of toys and other childish things, as I grew older, I did not. Caring for me required a lot, and to keep me entertained took everything my parents had in them. After awhile, it was time to visit the family doctor. There, I found out that I had a learning disorder called "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”. There are many out to discredit the disorder as a whole, that is not my intention. My aim is to expose the flaws in diagnosing ADHD, it's treatment and bring into light alternatives to medicating the youth. As you read this article, between 5% to 10% occurrence of ADHD is effecting America's youth. Since 2005, this rate has risen by 22%, and with today's treatment, there is no sign of that number slowing, with a steady increase of 5% per year. So, just what is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder? Well, no one is completely sure. It is generally accepted that this disorder lies within the category of the chemical imbalances of the brain. And just who does it effect? It is most commonly seen in young males versus females. Majority of numbers reported are that of school age children and older teenagers. Most will grow out of it by early adulthood, while some will have ADHD follow them into late adulthood and beyond. It’s not easy to diagnosis this disorder in a doctor's office, or at least it shouldn't be. A psychiatrist or psychologist could better asses behavioral disorders, after several sessions of close interview. Grades, social and private life should be taken into consideration, but not everyone receives what should be standard treatment. Misdiagnosis can start with the simplest of errors. Many occur during the psychological evaluation. Obvious tendencies such as being excitable, reserved, overly extroverted are all thought to be some of the symptoms of ADHD, but they are not exclusive to this alone, so other possibilities aren't considered. Easily distracted persons that are prone headache and fatigue are prime examples of people mistaken with ADHD. Poor diet, certain irritants of the nose, strains on eyes, physical exhaustion, certain grades of depression combined under the right circumstances, can be mistaken for ADHD like behavior. Diet-related disorders such as Diabetes, hypoglycemia, a low or high diet of carbohydrates can cause irritability, poor performance in school or the work place. So, who really has it, and who has been misdiagnosed? Looking into classic symptoms and what other depressions or disorders could line up with these as well. The word "impulsive" was something what was used almost too much in describing a child that has ADHD. These people are described as irrational, emotionally driven, and extremely disobedient. They require constant reinforcement and authoritative reminders. These people live in the moment with little concern for the future. Trouble compartmentalizing punishment and reward, right and wrong, is something seen in these people. They rely on action and consequence, rather than words and thought processing. Often children that have ADHD, are in fact not necessarily easily distracted, but have a narrowed-in or specific type of interests that are not being played upon or challenged at school. They are bored and seek outside sources of entertainment. There is more than internal behavior issues to take into account when considering reasons for possible misdiagnosis. Social and educational elements are always valuable information but can be read the wrong way. This is one of the main outlets where parents and teachers provide data, but it is second hand information. As a society we need to move away from the idea that drugs are the remedy to all that is medically flawed. Instead, moving focus onto what is going on at home. Beginning with the development of the average childhood. Understanding all that is wrong