The United Nations Population Division projects that the global population could reach 9. 1 billion by 2050. I believe that the increase of the general population would in essence mean that more people would have the chance of being diagnosed, which in turn would lead to more actual diagnoses. More people would mean that more cases of people having ADHD. The effect of population increase in the rising number of children with ADHD can be tracked in the high Ritalin consumption for ADHD treatment in the US until the late 1990s (LeFever, Dawson, & Morrow, 1999).
However, the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board issued a second warning against physicians who might have overprescribing such psychostimulants that could risk children’s health (United Nations Information Service, 1997). Due to the increased population of children with ADHD, the expansion of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) have increased more than 400% in providing incentives with children with ADHD between 1988 and 1997 since mental illnesses have been included in the Social Security Administration (Loprest, Rupp, & Sandell, 1995).
Both in Sweden and the US, ADHD behaviors are believed to have environmental and genetic causes. Teachers from both countries affirmed that the lack of basic academic skills is a significant cause of inattentive behavior in the classroom (International, 2006). ADHD can also be inherited. According to Dulcan et al. (1997), an ADHD child are more likely to have a parent with ADHD and his or her sibling could also possibly have it than in the general population.
The increase of ADHD cases can also be attributed to the fact that many parents whose children are diagnosed and treated by pediatricians decided not to see specially trained psychiatrists who are in the proper position to diagnose and treat the disorder (Clinical Practice, 2000). Some parents consult professionals (e. g. , teachers, pediatricians) who are not in the right position to diagnose and treat the disorder (Clinical Practice, 2000). Media can also negatively impact children’s behavior (Greenberg B. S.(1974-1975; Broome & Fuller, 1993).
For example, television can unfolds reality, which is sometimes not appropriate for young individuals to see or realize. Television can portray rapidly changing images, scenery, and events. It can be over stimulating yet extremely interesting. However, too much television viewing could shorten children’s attention span in the classroom and it is speculated that it may lead to ADHD. It is important that psychiatrists would be specially trained and they should come up with ADHD diagnosis and treatment standards.
I think that if children are being asked to do multiple tasks at the same time and exposed to information overload, I believe that they are likely to be distracted and confused which could contribute to aggressive or unnecessary behavior similar to ADHD. Some teachers quickly diagnose their students with ADHD because they are either familiar with that condition or they think that it is an easier way of dealing with the problem which could result to a failed treatment.
Often, teachers are the first to suggest to parents that their children have ADHD. Typically, the teacher is the first person outside of the family to observe a child’s behavior for any extended time and would be in a position to notice behavior beyond what is considered normal. Many symptoms of a bi-polar disorder and ADHD are similar. In both cases, the children tend to have pressured speech and they can’t seem to sit still. Conclusion Indeed, the prevalence of ADHD is increasing.
Therefore, it is important to consider some variables such as change in school policies, increased awareness among teachers and parents, collaboration, maintaining professional standard of psychiatrists, availability of affordable testing and diagnosis services, and eradication of stigma while changing attitudes towards supporting families and patients with this kind of disorder to help them function effectively in the society. Misdiagnosis should be avoided and children with ADHD should receive proper treatment.
In order to do this, parents must realize the importance of consulting a psychiatrist at the onset of symptoms with proper guidance of teachers. If the early symptoms are not mitigated, the disorder may lead to academic underachievement, poor interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, and disruptive behavior among others. The dramatic increase in the number of children receiving diagnoses and treatment of ADHD should be studied further.
Like many other illnesses, ADHD should be diagnosed according to the extent to which symptoms are deviations from the norms.
References
“Clinical Practice Guideline: Diagnosis and Evaluation of the Child with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ” (2000) Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics 105(5), 1158-1170. Retrieved November 13, 2007 from http://pediatrics. aappublications. org/cgi/content/full/105/5/1158