ADHD: The Dangers of Misdiagnosis

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been at the center of a large amount of controversy. Facts show that it is a real disorder, and people who have it can benefit hugely from receiving the correct treatment. However, there is growing concern among medical professionals that the disorder is being over-diagnosed. Since ADHD is often treated with medication, this is cause for real concern.

Alternative Diagnoses

Researchers have named many different issues that could mimic the symptoms of ADHD. A few of them are:

• High intelligence: A child who is fidgety and bored may simply not be receiving proper stimulation from his or her class.
• Petit mal seizures: This condition can cause memory problems, which could make a child appear inattentive or careless.
• Emotional problems: Rather than being clinically hyperactive, a child could be acting up due to personal problems or even an emotional disorder.
• Learning disability: A child may become disruptive in class because a learning disability is preventing him or her from following along with the teacher.

Dangers of Misdiagnosis

Children diagnosed with ADHD are often put on psychotropic drugs such as Ritalin. These drugs can have serious side effects for children who should not be taking them. These side effects include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood swings
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety

If a child is misdiagnosed with ADHD, not only will their real problem not be properly addressed, but they could be placed on medication that might seriously affect their health.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured after being placed on the wrong medication, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice suit. Contact Wausau medical misdiagnosis attorneys Habush, Habush & Rottier at 715-387-4242.