Audio Read: Overdiagnosis of ADHD

ADHD is thought to be a condition that gives the impression of people being unable to concentrate for long, suffering from restlessness.

Professor Nigel MacLennan runs the performance coaching practice PsyPerform.

We regularly update our articles. As a result, the audio read and the published article may not match.

[nathanielkeating]

A popular opinion in the press coverage of ADHD is that doctors both overdiagnose and overtreat the condition, especially in children with behavioral difficulties.

[carolinewalsh]

Seeking care from a qualified provider, using specific diagnostic criteria, and ruling out other potential diagnoses can reduce the risk of ADHD overdiagnosis and misdiagnosis. Keep reading to learn more.

[bonniegilbert]

A person’s views about ADHD overdiagnosis may depend on personal experience and bias. There is a large movement among people who oppose psychiatry to discredit the notion of ADHD.

[elenalahey]

The potential overdiagnosis of ADHD remains controversial, and it is hard to measure. What is clear, however, is that ADHD is often untreated or incorrectly treated.

[monikarichards]

Age-typical behaviors for young children may be symptoms of ADHD in an older child. For example, a 3-year-old cannot concentrate on the schoolwork that is routine for a 6-year-old.

[christophemahoney]

Although some studies do indicate an overdiagnosis of ADHD, there is no conclusive research identifying the reasons for it.

[robinstinson]

ineffective parenting could contribute to behavioral problems in children with ADHD. While this is not a factor in overdiagnosis, it could explain an apparent increase in ADHD-related behavioral problems. The researchers found a correlation between the use of punishment and symptoms of inattention. Neglectful parenting also correlated with ADHD symptoms

[neilmosby]

The proper treatment of ADHD can improve the lives of people who have the diagnosis, but overtreatment can be harmful. No treatment is free of side effects

[laurelgibbins]

In very young children, a few months can make a difference in skills and maturity, so it is possible that some children take ADHD medication because of comparative immaturityTrusted Source rather than ADHD.

[anamaeedmond]

A person may get a misdiagnosis when they have another condition. The symptoms of sensory processing disorders, for example, may mimic those of ADHD.

[rajwolowitz]

Increased awareness is also an important factor to note. Increased awareness of ADHD may causeTrusted Source parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to look for inattentive symptoms. As a result, more people with mild symptoms may receive an ADHD diagnosis.

[mikaelamilstone]

Children who are younger than grade-level peers, and therefore less developmentally mature, may receiveTrusted Source an ADHD diagnosis