New research fuels skepticism (and questions) about those ADHD diagnoses

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New research fuels skepticism (and questions) about those ADHD diagnoses

August 17, 2010

Suspicion has long existed that maybe a significant percentage of kids diagnosed

with attention-deficit disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder were

really just livelier than was warranted for a classroom environment. Or, rather,

immature.

As staff writer Healy noted about a previous study detailed in the

article Growing up with, and out of, ADHD:

" Researchers found it is the can't-sit-still kids -- the stereotype of the

'ADHD generation' -- who are most likely to mature out of the disease. Among

those with persistent ADHD, they also found, half have problems with cognitive

skills that are key to success in adulthood, but half have no such deficits. "

Now research backing up such suspicion is growing, beginning to solidify into a

less-than-reassuring picture about how kids have been assessed. And labeled. And

treated.

A new study out of North Carolina State University has found significant

differences in diagnoses among children with similar birth dates and different

kindergarten start times. That research, which will be published soon in the

Journal of Health Economics, is summed up in the university's news release. Also

just released is related research from Michigan State University finding that

nearly 1 million kids may have been misdiagnosed because of age.

Here's a nice USA Today article, Youngest in class get ADHD label, that sums up

both studies.

It can be difficult to distinguish immaturity from ADD and ADHD. Here's an

ADD/ADHD symptom guide from HelpGuide.org. (This one is for kids; there's a

separate one for adults.)

And this article from Parenting, ADHD or Immaturity?, by Dr. Sears, sums

up the dilemma and offers a practical suggestion for parents trying to sort it

all out.

He writes: " Keep a diary of these big four characteristics of ADHD and see how

your child does over time. With immaturity, you will notice steady improvement

as your child learns to settle into a school routine. On the other hand, true

ADHD, if left undiagnosed and untreated, can become worse with time, resulting

in your child developing a poor attitude about learning. "

Obviously an accurate diagnosis is key for kids with ADD/ADHD. But the new

research raises questions about the effect on kids who don't have the conditions

-- but are told they do.

While pondering such questions, take a look at the ADHD drug treatment options,

as detailed by Consumer Reports. It begins:

" The drugs usually prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

(ADHD) are generally effective and safe. Most children and teenagers (60% to

80%) who take them become less hyperactive and impulsive, are better able to

focus, and are less disruptive at home and school. However, there is no good

evidence showing these benefits last for longer than two years. "

Expect a harder look in the years to come about whether kids have ADD/ADHD -- or

whether they're just young.

-- Tami Dennis / Los Angeles Times