• Knowledgebase: Behavioral, Developmental, and Emotional Problems

    Questions about behavioral and emotional problems, Autism, developmental delays.

    19. ADHD or Just Being a Kid? - Top

    Reuters Health reports that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently released new guidelines aimed at helping doctors correctly diagnose attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is one of the most common psychological disorders currently affecting children. Children with ADHD may experience behavioral problems such as aggression and impulsivity, have difficulty interacting with family members and be underachievers at school.

    Fearing that too many children were being misdiagnosed and as a result, were being giving medication, the AAP has determined that in order for a child to have ADHD, symptoms must present and be negatively affecting the child’s academic or social functioning for at least 6 months. Physicians should determine the age when symptoms first appeared, how long symptoms tend to last, and how much they impair the child’s ability to function in various settings. In addition to the patient, parents, caregivers and teachers can also be relied upon to supply this information.

    Physicians should also make themselves aware of the possibilities of other conditions co-existing with ADHD, like learning and language problems, aggressive or disruptive behavior, depression or anxiety. One-third of children with ADHD also have one of these conditions.

    The AAP stresses that the guidelines are not intended to apply to all children and should not replace the opinion of any individual physician. Now that guidelines for diagnosis have been developed, AAP experts hope to eventually create similar guidelines to address treatment of the disorder.

    SOURCE: Pediatrics 2000; 105:1158-1170 - Updated: March 8, 2001

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    • James L Horwitz, MD

    David C. Thomas, MD

    Barbara Lindberg, PNP