Attention Deficit Disorder: it is Grossly Over-Diagnosed

Attention Deficit Disorder has been around for a long time. It has not always carried the same name, but the symptoms, and treatments are virtually the same. Recently, ADD has become a disease that everybody seems to have. It comes as no surprise that people are abusing and overusing the label ADD. Some of these people are doctors. These doctors have the ability to diagnose ADD, and they are doing so. Some doctors over-diagnose ADD. Unfortunately, it is the patients who suffer terribly. Attention Deficit Disorder is grossly over-diagnosed causing unnecessary drug interactions, labeling, and other unnecessary acts to occur. There are many people and organizations that benefit from over-diagnosing ADD including ADD support organizations, parents, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies.

Attention deficit disorder does not have a clear definition. But it has been said that ADD is the most commonly diagnosed disorder in children (Grossman). Its origins are unknown, but according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, it is speculated that ADD is due to these factors: genetics, prenatal complications, and neurotransmitter deficits.

While the cause is unknown, the symptoms are apparent. The symptoms of ADD are classified into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary symptoms are due to the disorder itself. These symptoms include distractibility, impulsivity, restlessness, and hyperactivity; also known as the Big Four (Sears 8). Secondary symptoms are due to the primary systems going unnoticed and the ADD going untreated. Some secondary symptoms are low self-esteem, depression, boredom and frustration with school, impaired peer relations, violent behavior due to mounting frustrations, and sometimes alcohol and drug abuse (Hallowell 52). Unfortunately, these symptoms are not always the same in every child with ADD.