ADHD symptoms missed and untreated
Introduction
New research indicates that almost 2.4 million kids in the US have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but that over a million of them haven’t been diagnosed or aren’t getting the treatment they need for it.
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ADHD: underdiagnosed and undertreated
New research carried out by Cincinnati Children's Medical Center indicates that almost 2.4 million kids in the US have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – but that over a million of them haven’t been diagnosed or aren’t getting the treatment they need for it.
ADHD in girls is more likely to be missed. “Perhaps this is because we see ADHD as a boys-only disorder, so don't think of the disorder as readily when we encounter a girl with ADHD symptoms,” says lead researcher Dr Tanya Froehlich, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Cincinnati Children's Medical Center. “In addition, it's possible that the way girls manifest their ADHD is less disruptive and troublesome to the people around them, so there’s less drive to bring them to medical attention.”
The study also indicates that children from poorer families are more likely to be diagnosed. “Reasons for the increased likelihood of ADHD in poorer children may include the elevated prevalence of ADHD risk factors in this group,” Dr Froehlich explains. “These include premature birth, prenatal tobacco exposure, prenatal alcohol exposure and childhood lead exposure.” However, poorer children are also the least likely to receive the medication they need for their symptoms, particularly if they lack health insurance.
The research findings run counter to widespread concerns that ADHD rates are being overestimated and that doctors and parents are way too keen to medicate their kids if they feel there’s any justification.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects 3-7% of school-age children. In general, children with ADHD have poor impulse control and act without thinking, have trouble focusing and are constantly on the go. These factors are what make the condition difficult to diagnose – they’re common to most pre-schoolers and tweens. Doctors use a range of criteria to diagnose ADHD, and a firm diagnosis can help you begin to understand and manage your child’s behavior and help them reach their full potential.
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Find Out More
- CHAD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) has info especially for parents on understanding and coping with ADHD, and finding support.
- NRC (National Resource Center on ADHD) provides a fact sheet listing the symptoms of ADHD and describing science-based treatment options. The NRC, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is a program of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHAD).
- NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) publishes a detailed booklet that describes the symptoms, causes and treatment of ADHD.
- AAFP (American Academy of Family Physicians) offers good advice and info to parents on what you should do if you think your child may have ADHD and how you can best help them manage and overcome the symptoms at home and school.
Related Links
- How to spot the signs of ADHD How can you tell if your child has the condition?
- Helping your ADHD child to behave Tips on what kind of behavior and co-operation you can expect from your child and how best to discipline him.
- Get the best from your ADHD child Many parents whose children have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) find themselves trapped in a loop of negativity, constantly telling their kids off. But it is possible to be positive…
- ADHD link to mom’s weight European research suggests that if you’re overweight when you become pregnant your child is more likely to display symptoms of ADHD at school age…
- Keeping your ADHD child safe Kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) get hurt more often than the average child because they tend to forget your safety instructions and can be impulsive when it comes to risky behavior. So what do you need to bear in mind to keep your child safe and well?
- When your child has special needs Having a child with a disability or chronic illness has a huge impact on family life – particularly if you have other children who may feel left out because their brother or sister takes up more of your time. It’s important that you try to find a routine that addresses your special child’s disability and also gives his siblings the attention they need.