ADHD--Overdiagnosed?

First of all, ADHD is not technically a learning disability. 

I would like to hear from all you all on the article in USA Today, ADHD pills may get new labels; will attitudes follow?.

The panel's action is the latest measure of concern that ADHD drugs such as Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall are overprescribed.

When 63% of children in a single Virginia school district are diagnosed as having ADHD, it seems clear that, at least in some locations, they are. This invites side effects, such as insomnia, tension, or drug dependency. It also means the true problem might go untreated.

The accompanying chart shows that the 2004 ' rate of ADHD  diagnosis  in children 3-17 is about 10.2%  (boys) and 4.5% (girls);  up from about 8.2% (boys) and 2.5% (girls).

So is ADD/ADHD underdiagnosed?  Overdiagnosed?  It depends upon the population or the school?

A Learning Disability, as defined by the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities,  is a general term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in the acquisition and the use of listening, spelling, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical ability. These disorders are intrinsic to the individual, presumed to be due to central nervous system dysfunction and may occur across the life span.

Problems in self-regulatory behaviors, social perceptions, and social integration may exist with learning disabilities but do not by themselves constitute a learning disability. Although learning disabilities may occur concomitantly with other disabilities, they are not the result of those conditions or influences.

Comments

[Lisa]

The problem is that while the drugs may cause addiction and insomnia, so can ADHD itself. Without careful analysis, it is difficult to tell what the causes are.

[Tara McGillicuddy]

I think it is both underdiagnosed and overdiagnosed. We don't have enough diagnosticians who have enough of an understanding of AD/HD. Far too many just presrcibe medication as diagnostic tool. AD/HD medications should only be prescribed after a thorough assesment is done.

What we need is more awareness and education about AD/HD.