18
christian counseling today
Vol. 20 no. 2
E
ADHD on the Rise
Parents asking questions have reasonable concerns. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirm
ADHD diagnoses are on the rise and that approximately 4.5
million children under the age of 18 are diagnosed with this
disorder, and 2.5 million regularly use stimulant medications.
1
Explanations provided for the growth in numbers are both
positive and negative.
First, ADHD is a legitimate diagnosis related to under-
lying neurological conditions. It is a brain-based biological
disorder that can be detected by brain scans and imaging.
Chemical differences have been found in the ADHD brain
when compared to non ADHD children. Furthermore,
current evidence suggests that ADHD has a genetic
component, so the question of legitimacy is easily answered.
According to the
DSM-5
, ADHD is characterized by a pattern
of behavior, which is present in multiple settings (e.g., home
and school) that can result in performance issues. Symptoms
fall into two primary categories—inattention and hyperac-
tivity/impulsivity—and tend to manifest in behaviors such
as failing to pay attention, difficulty in organizing tasks and
activities, excessive talking, fidgeting, etc.
In terms of the rising numbers of ADHD children, positive
explanations include greater awareness of the condition and
better access to competent care. Decades ago, we did not do a
good job of identifying children with this disorder. Now, more
minors are benefiting from early detection and treatment.
On the negative side, there is evidence to suggest that
frequent misdiagnosis does occur. A study by Michigan State
University researcher, Todd Elder, posits that almost a million
L i nda Mi ntle
Every time I go on talk radio in which listeners are able to call in with questions, I inevitable get
these two: “Are we overmedicating our children?” and “Why do we have so many children now
diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?” Some callers even question
the validity of the diagnosis as a legitimate disorder. They want to know if their children, who
seem unable to sit still and pay attention, have ADHD or if they are just being kids who are
unnecessarily labeled? With ADHD now a household word, the professional mental health
community needs to take responsibility for making sure the right children are being treated and
that treatment works, especially when we are working with preschoolers.
Children
with ADHD
Sit Still and
Pay Attention
