Myth #8: ADHD is Over-Diagnosed
It’s hard to know for certain whether or not ADHD is over-diagnosed. Many believe that the inattentive type of ADHD is actually under-diagnosed because symptoms are less disruptive and overt and are easily overlooked. So there is certainly the possibility that many individuals with ADHD who are missed altogether -- not diagnosed and not treated, often developing serious secondary problems related to the ADHD. As a result, they struggle and suffer silently through life not knowing that daily functioning can significantly improve with proper treatment. Some people may jump to the conclusion that every child or adult who displays hyperactive, impulsive or inattentive and disorganized behaviors must have ADHD; however this would be an inaccurate assumption to make. There may be a number of reasons why an individual displays these symptoms including trauma, depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, hearing or vision problems, etc. This is why it is so important for healthcare professionals to conduct careful and thorough evaluations to rule out alternative causes or conditions that may be leading to the problematic behaviors so that diagnoses are accurate and treatment is appropriate.Sources:
Andrew Adesman, M.D., Anne Teeter Ellison, Ed.D. ADHD: Top 10 Myths. Webcast. Health Talk. September 5, 2007.
