ADHD Analysis

An estimated 2.4 million children between the ages of eight and fifteen in the U.S. have attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), but fewer than half of them have been properly diagnosed or are receiving appropriate treatments (Boyles, 2007). Sadly, children much younger than eight are often incorrectly diagnosed and put on extremely high doses of medication. Without the proper knowledge of what attention deficit disorders entail, both parents and professionals could be creating a life time of problems for a child who has previously been labeled as “naughty” or “disruptive.” No child deserves to be looked upon as an irritation in a school system or home setting that is not capable of keeping their attention. Teachers often provide unprofessional
For the treatment of ADHD, most children are being prescribed a stimulant and antipsychotic. Medications have been a default for desperate parents when non-drug treatments are inaccessible (Kirkey, 2016). A child’s everyday experiences should always be considered when trying to analyze why their performance in school is struggling. Although the number of children being medicated has significantly increased over the past several years, some experts still believe that most children who are labeled ADHD often experience extreme amounts of environment stress causing them to struggle in many demanding areas of life (Stone, 2005). This shows that if only one aspect of a child’s life is taken into consideration when trying to assess behavioral issues, the conclusions are often erroneous. For years, teachers have wrongly “diagnosed” children without ever having or suggesting that a complete educational, psychological, and neuropsychological evaluation be done (Stone, 2005). The details of attention deficiencies are not common knowledge and the attention they require is extensive; in addition, teachers are in no position to give medical advice unless they have extensively studied the causes and effects of disorders commonly found in children. Common misconceptions that are concomitant with ADHD are poor concentration skills, distractibility, and impulsiveness that are inappropriate for the child’s age (“Pharmacy Update,” 2007). Ordinarily, parents
Aside from behavioral therapy, there are several ways that ADHD can be handled and even has the potential to be diminished completely. Although herbal remedies are not approved by the FDA to aid in the management of ADHD, some parents swear by them to enhance the overwhelming and constructive effects of behavioral therapy (“Attention Deficit,” 2004). A large movement toward herbal remedies, has led to a safer and easier way to regulate behavior in a natural way. Approaching ADHD in the most natural way, can benefit a child immensely over a long period. When or if parents are willing to reassess their own life to create a better diet plan for the entire family, Beverly Nicholson, Ph.D., believes that medication should be perceived as a last resort when a ADHD diagnoses is given (Stone, 2005). This shows that if a child experiences abnormal outbursts at a young age, the entire household must recognize that changes must be made that may affect everyone. Because nutrition is linked so closely to brain development and hormone regulation, parents must take it upon themselves to provide a proper diet plan, which can help maintain stable behavior in children. Past studies show that ADHD can be a side-effect of an iron deficiency, which is most commonly found in children (“Attention Deficit,” 2011). Medication is not the only option for management of ADHD; along with herbal remedies and dietary