Over Diagnosing ADD and ADHD

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are being very commonly diagnosed of late. It really does make you wonder if these problems have existed undiagnosed for a long period of time, or if these are relatively new and more evolved disorders. There are several theories that people have regarding these issues. Everyone from teachers to parents and experts have their own thoughts and theories on this matter.

Many teachers are troubled by frustrated children and then the child is automatically placed into the ADD/ADHD category. Teachers are becoming less able to deal with the specific needs of individual children and therefore the "problem" children are being placed in the ADD/ADHD category.

Some studies show staggering results comparing the number of boys versus girls being treated with medication. This is a result of trying to make children behave when they re naturally active or energetic, and most common in boys.

Lastly, and perhaps what is considered to be one of the most solid theories explaining not only the increase of the number of children with ADD and ADHD, but also why more boys than girls are being affected, is the societal affect. This is basically saying that changes in the world, such as more violence, television, and video games may all be affecting the ability of our children to concentrate in school. A world that is coming at them so quickly when they are outside the classroom seems rather 2-D and boring from inside the four walls of the school house. This may mean that students need more stimulation in school to keep up with the changing world.

Another solid theory about ADD and ADHD is the dietary factor. Many children of late have been diagnosed with food allergies that cause them to act out and to act overly aggressively without provocation. This has been especially true about tomatoes and tomato products; they have been shown to cause problems for some boys in addition to the problems associated with sugar in hyperactivity. So diet is definitely a factor to consider when a child has been diagnosed as ADD or ADHD.

Before drugging a child for an ADHD or ADD diagnosis look into dietary changes and possible food allergies first. There are many parenting resources which will help uncover any possible alternatives to medication. For this and many more parenting resources click on www.parentinginformed.com on the internet.