Analysis of over-diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The mental health community has been noticeably slow in identifying that there may be a problem with diagnoses and prescriptions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health government publication, “Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General” notes a rise in concerns regarding over-diagnosis and overprescribing of stimulant therapy, by stating there may be "inappropriate diagnosis and treatment" taking place (National Institute of Mental Health, 2001). The US Dept. of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention reported in 2011 that an estimated 9% of children in the United States had ADHD (Bloom, 2011). This paper will define the disorder, discuss the notion of over-diagnosing, and the potential risks of overprescribing medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Adolescence is often a time of bodily, societal, and mental evolution. Some will go through certain sequences or experiences that can be linked to specific choices concerning “family and peer relationships, sexual expression, vocational/educational development, and experimenting with drugs and alcohol” (Maag and Irvin, 2005). Having a consistent view of your life will help adolescents to effectively steer their life transitions in a positive direction. Steering these transitions can be difficult for some adolescents due to their specific personality structures. When adolescents have a compromised capability to deal with pressure, apprehension, and interpersonal relationships they have a higher possibility of emerging with any of the various psychological disorders.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric...

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