Adhd Is Overdiagnosed By Caryn Carlson

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In the article “ADHD Is Overdiagnosed”, by Caryn Carlson, the author Carlson is discussing the factors that are leading to ADHD currently being overdiagnosed and overtreated. According to Carlson, based on recent studies there is reason to believe that ADHD is being overdiagnosed in certain regions of the U.S., namely the use of the drug methylphenidate has skyrocketed soon after the turn of the century. Its usage had doubled from 2001 to 2006, with its largest increase stemming from teenagers and young adults. Carlson states that the dramatic increase most likely supports the theory of over diagnose. One of the reasons behind this is that clinicians sometimes diagnose without assessing all criteria and rely mainly on parent reports. This causes them to apply the diagnostic criteria inconsistently. Carlson also states that the diagnosis for ADHD has become more popular for people who …show more content…

Pelham starts off by stating that there is no empirical evidence that suggest that ADHD is being overdiagnosed. Yes the diagnosis was widely used in the past but it also came second to other diagnosis since it is a relatively recent phenomenon. So while it is being diagnosed more often, this is only because its being diagnosed more appropriately and given the prominence that is deserves. Pelham states that the increase diagnosis of ADHD in neither a conspiracy or a flaw in education or an indictment of parenting practices but a natural by product of a change in federal regulations governing education in the U.S. This is because in 1991 there was a change of status for ADHD in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that changed ADHD to a handicapping condition. This resulted in school districts worldwide being required to establish screening and diagnostic procedures for

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