A Ritalin prescription may not be the key to your child's success in school. In fact, it may be doing more harm than good. As the number of cases of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) rise, so do questions about the accuracy of those diagnoses.
The Trouble with ADHD
The biggest challenge in successfully diagnosing ADHD is the lack of any physical markers. Doctors generally begin with a full physical to eliminate obvious causes of short attention spans, such as hearing loss, ear infections and brain injuries. When an obvious physcial cause cannot be found, doctors must rely on a questionnaire and observations to make a diagnosis. This can easily lead to misdiagnosis, since the results are subjective and open to interpretation.
Complicating matters, the symptoms of ADHD are not unique to the condition. The restless and short attention span of ADHD can be caused by other ailments or environmental factors, including
Hearing and cognitive problems without obvious physical signs could also be causing ADHD-like symptoms. The first check for parents is to make sure that a complete physical examination is carried out on the child to rule out these physical causes. Only then should an ADHD evaluation take place.
Getting a Second Opinion
When something's causing your child to suffer or struggle, the first reaction is to find a solution as quickly as possible. In the case of an ADHD diagnosis, this usually means behavior therapy or prescriptions.
A better first step is to seek a second opinion from a doctor who is unaffiliated with the doctor who made the initial diagnosis. You may want to seek out a specialist who deals in mental illnesses or cognitive disabilities. Finding the right doctor can be a challenge; choosing one who specializes in ADHD treatment may only get you a confirmation of the original diagnosis, while choosing a doctor who rarely diagnoses ADHD could leave you believing that your child is normal.
Try to find a doctor who is experienced in treating a range of childhood conditions. If the ADHD diagnosis is confirmed, you can begin treatment for your child knowing that you've ruled out other possible causes.
 | You may wonder what is the difference between ADD and ADHD? ADHD is a childhood condition that affects the brain's impulse control and forward planning ability. ADHD is treatable, but an evaluation is needed to rule out other potential causes. |
 | ADHD medications for children has traditionally been stimulants such as Ritalin. Doctors are now finding that some patients respond to non-stimulants, antidepressants and combinations of drug treatments and therapy. |
 | If you're interested in pursuing a drug-free ADHD therapy for your child, start with a psychologist who is known for treating disorders without using psychiatric drugs. |
If your child has had an ADHD diagnosis and is struggling in school, he might not be getting the treatment he needs. |
Check out these basic activities for teaching self control to kids. |
