Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Recognition. Prevention. Treatment

20/20 Parenting. Recognizing and mitigating early vulnerabilities and risk factors.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

(diagnosis can be confused with: TBI – Dr. Paul Swingle, p.1, APD – Gary Direnfeld p.1, others with similar symptoms)

A Complex and Confusing Condition

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two conditions for which there has been a lot of confusion regarding causes, symptoms, physiology, and methods of diagnosis and/or effective treatment protocol.

By now you have likely heard ADD/ADHD referred to as a ‘catch-all’ diagnosis for behavior problems lacking a clear cause. Though becoming less common in the last decade, there have been cases where children with dyslexia, allergies, head injuries, auditory processing disorder, and emotional trauma, to name a few, have been incorrectly diagnosed with ADD or ADHD.

Sadly, an incorrect diagnosis sets up the child and the family for long-term difficulties. And chronic struggles can undermine a child's self esteem and/or decision-making abilities. As some of us know too well, these "hidden" vulnerabilities can then lead to drug and alcohol abuse and addiction as well as many other self destructive or risky behaviors.

Furthermore, the lack of recognition of the actual health condition, causing similar behavior to ADD/ADHD, can lead to the "bad kid from a bad home" assumption. This in turn can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy: a child will become what you expect them to be. Additionally, chronic unresolved behavior problems impact family relationships negatively, potentially leading to another fulfilled prophecy: family "dysfunction".

The reason for all the confusion around diagnosis is that there are common behaviors (visible symptoms) for many childhood health conditions. Hence, an early and thorough assessment is crucial, including a detailed history. This is best accomplished with a team of specialists who will include you in the information gathering process. If a team is not an option in your area, we suggest that you seek at least three opinions, each from a specialized field that seems to best address your child’s symptoms.

We also suggest that you take a polite, yet assertive approach...to be your child's advocate. Our health care system is overloaded so you may find that "the squeaky wheel gets the grease". Alternatively and/or additionally, you may consider investigating neurotherapy and the science and evidence-based alternative/complementary medicines: naturopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

To assist you in making an informed decision regarding your child’s healthcare we are compiling the information and resources you will need through the articles we are posting to our “Mental Conditions” section. Come back regularly for new articles, or request our free monthly newsletter for notification of additions.

Health Canada Advisory regarding "rare heart-related risks for all ADHD drugs", May 26, 2006.

Health Canada Advisory regarding "uncommon psychiatric adverse events for all ADHD drugs", September 21, 2006.