Are drugs for treating attention deficit disorder being over-prescribed to children today?

by Priscilla Benfield

Created on: June 09, 2010

Part of the problem with children being over-prescribed medication for attention deficit disorder is the screening process for ADD and ADHD. The diagnosis is based upon the parents, caregivers and teachers observations of the child's behavior. Children do not normally give enough feedback to a mental health professional or pediatrician for them to base the diagnosis on their relaying of their symptoms alone.

There,unfortunately, are some doctors who jump to diagnose a child when in fact, their symptoms could be due to a different condition. Sometimes the stimulant medications can make their true condition worse and often the stimulant medication will be changed to another one instead of re-evaluating the diagnosis.

The best way to ensure that you get a proper diagnosis is to see a professional who has experience with attention deficit disorder. Even though you may have an excellent relationship with your child's pediatrician, disorders like this are not their expertise and some pediatricians are ignorant about the condition. You can ask your doctor for a referral or call your insurance company to find a specialist. Someone who is experienced will be a better judge of diagnosing and treating your child and perhaps you can avoid over medicating your child this way.

In other cases where a child is truly suffering from attention deficit disorder, their condition may be controlled through making changes in their life. For example, creating a more structured environment, both at home and in school can help the child with a mild case of ADD avoid medication. A child with ADD needs to have people around him who understand the need for structure and rewards for good behavior.

Of course there are children who need to have medication. The point is that medication alone is not enough to control the symptoms of the disorder. If the adults in the child's life work together closely, less medication will be needed. Many times this does not happen and because of this the medication is increased thinking that it will lessen the symptoms.

Although doctors and pharmaceutical companies only state that there can be side effects to these stimulant medications, the long-term use and damage to a child's body is not really known. It is a difficult decision for a parent to agree to put their child on these medications but many do agree because they are desperate for help. As with many psychiatric disorders, medication alone is not the answer. There is no magic pill and therapy, lifestyle changes which include strict sleep schedules and dietary changes can make a huge difference in whether or not a child is over medicated.

ADD and ADHD is a disorder that many children will carry with them into adulthood. As your child's advocate, research the disorder so that you can best help them. If they are taught how to deal with it when they are young, they will function better as they grow older.

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