Millions of children in the US alone have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Children with this disorder show inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity and have problems with their behaviors. However, it is sometimes normal for children to act hyperactive, impulsive and inattentive at times. Therefore, could it be that some children diagnosed to have ADHD do not really have the disorder but are just normally hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive?

There has been controversy and debate about the possibility of overdiagnosis of ADHD in children. The fact is that children may tend to have behavioral problems due to a number of reasons aside from medically having ADHD. At times, the behavioral problems of children may be caused by depression over the death of someone they love, divorce of parents, violence or domestic abuse, drug and alcohol abuse and many other potential factors. For these reasons, it is possible that many children are actually taking Ritalin and other ADHD medications but do not really have the disorder!

Whether you like it or not, overdiagnosis ADHD is a fact. There are a number of conditions which may make the child seem like he is suffering from ADHD. Such conditions include toxic lead levels, reading problems, hearing problems, bi-polar disorder, depression, thyroid balance, chronic ear infections, post traumatic stress syndrome, allergies, low blood sugar, and learning disabilities. These conditions may imitate the symptoms of ADHD and thus, a child with these problems may be overdiagnosed to have the disorder.

How Can You Keep Your Child from Overdiagnosis ADHD? 

If your child is acting like he has ADHD, do not jump to conclusions directly. Take him to a physician and have him undergo ADHD testing. Typically, doctors would perform EEG, a process by which the precise patterns of the human brain will be determined. They may also subject the child who is suspected to have ADHD in a physical exam and developmental testing. The results will help them determine the presence of ADHD in a child. However, some doctors are also believed to diagnose ADHD in children without having performed the essential steps. Thus, there are children who do not really have ADHD but are taking Ritalin and other medications these days.

If you do not want your child to be overdiagnosed with ADHD, you may want to ensure that your child's doctor perform such tests if possible.  Children with behavioral problems need testing, parents' support, evaluation and the help of a psychologist. Who knows that your child's behavioral problems may be cured without having to take too many medications?

If there is no need to put your child into medication, don't! You and your child's doctor should work closely to give the child the right medical attention. Provide the doctor precise information so he can make proper diagnosis and see to it that proper examinations have been made before the doctor rules out ADHD in your child. You may also have your child undergo counseling first so that any behavioral problems that may be caused by other factors other than ADHD may be determined.