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Is it ADHD…or Not?
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If you have kids, like me, you've probably heard about ADHD through parents or teachers at your child's school.ADHD is a behavioral disorder that has hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and lack of attention as its main presenting characteristics. It is said that it affects 5-10% of the school-age kids around the world, and is observed more in boys than girls. There has always been controversy about the diagnosis of this condition and the medication used. This recent study may add more fuel to that fire.
A new UCLA study revealed that only about half of the children with ADHD who participated in the study present the cognitive defects generally associated with the condition. There was also an issue about the long term effectiveness of the medications. When they compared children in areas where medication is rarely prescribed to those in areas where it's more common, the study showed that at the time of adolescence there were few differences seen between the disorder's characteristics in both populations.
One thing is for sure, it is important to learn and understand more, as individuals and professionals, about this condition before “diagnosing” a child.
Ivelisse, BS, LD/N
Nutrition Specialist
Take Care, Take Control and Enjoy!
Labels: behavior changes, children, emotions, kids, Teens
My son was diagnosed with ADHD, but there is no way to prove that he has it or doesn't have it. The diagnosis set us on a path that I wish we did not have to travel. He took all kinds of medications and saw counselors and psychiatrists, but none of it did anything except make him feel "less than." His self-esteem took a huge hit and he felt awful about himself. Finally I'd had enough because I didn't think the meds were helping him at all and I was sick of dragging him to doctors all the time. So, I told him we'd made a mistake and he really did not have ADHD. The look of relief on his face was palpable, and he has been a much happier and well-adjusted kid ever since.
My son was diagnosed with ADD (ADHD minus the hyperactivity) when he was in grade 1. Through the ADHD clinic here in Vancouver, BC, he took part in a nutritional study along with a group of kids who are seen in the same clinic. He was one of 1/3 of the children studied who turned out to have a ZINC DEFICIENCY. Supplementing this micronutrient has made a world of difference and we are so thankful for this find. HOWEVER, don't automatically start supplementing with zinc as it can negatively affect copper absorption. Talk to your doctor about a blood test for zinc deficiency.
It is horrible that any medical professional would treat a child (or adult) with ADHD as "less than." In the 80s, my younger brother was diagnosed with ADD, and was made to feel "less than" by most of his grade school teachers and peers. (I have it, too, but was diagnosed much later.)
Most people associate ADHD with the stigma attached to it, and no one draws attention to the POSITIVES of having ADHD. (Yes, there are positives!) People with ADHD are naturally very bright individuals. We are also sensitive and empathetic. We are also very creative.
To anyone who knows someone with ADHD, I'd like to suggest reading a series of books: "Driven to Distraction"; "Answers to Distraction"; and "Delivered from Distraction." These books give real insight by a psychologist (Hallowell) who also has ADHD. It explains a lot about the condition, discusses how it affects lives, marriages, families, and gives ideas of how to "treat" ADHD, both with and without medication.
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