The Tragedy of an ADHD Misdiagnosis.
It can be really scary if there is an ADHD misdiagnosis. You will not receive treatment for your real problems. You may actually make your problems worse through treatment of things you don't have. There are so many ADHD related disorders that are much more severe and even dangerous if improperly treated. These conditions can look just like ADHD. Many have some of the same symptoms.
Defience or Maybe Something Else?
An ADHD Misdiagnosis
Two examples:Hearing Problems
Imagine a child with the hearing disability. They may appear to be inattentive, impulsive and even hyperactive. They cannot hear instructions so it seems like they are not paying attention. They do not follow instructions and they act out of turn because they cannot hear properly. Inattention
If you have to tell you child to do something several times and they do not respond. They may appear to be defying your instructions. They may hear you speaking. They may understand what you are saying. But they do not do what you are saying. You might think they are purposely not listening. The problem may be a short attention span and distracting things that cause innattention. The child might not be getting the instruction due to inattention problems and not defience. In many cases like this a child could be placed on a treatment program totally inappropriate for them. They may be treatmented and possibly medicated for symptoms they don't even have because of a misdiagnosis. The prospect of being treated for a problem one does not have is a terrifying one. During a proper ADHD diagnosis these possibilities are studied, compared and accounted for. Ensuring that the child is understood and setting the path to proper treatment.
Comorbid Disorders
Many other conditions can exist in an individual who has ADHD. The comorbidity or existence of two or more conditions in one individual is not only possible but happens in a good number of people. I try to stay away from numbers, but I have seen in research that nearly one third of the people with ADHD may have a comorbid condition. All the more reason to be informed and get a proper ADHD diagnosis.
What is all this leading to?
In order to prevent a misdiagnosis, get a proper ADHD diagnosis from an expert trained in the field.Be aware of the ADHD related disorders and do your homework by reading ADHDaction.com and other sources. Get knowledge and a proper diagnosis. I hammer this point a lot because it is very serious. It is your responsibility to understand ADHD for success and for safety.
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