Children around the world are incorrectly diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) every day. While many psychologists and doctors acknowledge this, they are still prescribing drugs to young patients who do not actually need it. Kids are often misdiagnosed because they are bored in school, engaging in typical childhood behavior, or have other underlying conditions such as dyslexia or depression (Meyer). “Although an independent diagnostic test for ADHD does not exist, there is evidence supporting the validity of the disorder” (“Diagnosis and Treatment”). Since a large number of children do not receive the correct diagnosis, it best to not use medication as the first form of treatment because of the risks involved. Instead, parents should consider first …show more content…
While it is not always successful, changing one’s diet alone will only help a small percentage of people, but that is not to say it should not be suggested (Aubrey). Many children consume too much sugar and do not get enough sleep each night. As a result, they can exhibit symptoms of ADHD. Parents will have to remove irritant food items to see behavioral changes, which will take several weeks to see if it works. Even if a child is misdiagnosed with this disorder, it can help with other underlying conditions. By providing a healthy lifestyle, a child will be less sleep deprived, and be able to pay attention more. Nutritionists suggest that someone with ADHD follow a healthy diet to include protein and vitamins. Protein helps prevent fluctuations in the blood sugar and helps decrease one’s hyperactivity. The ingredients a child with ADHD should avoid include artificial flavors and sugar. Scientists have found that mothers of children who eat unhealthy during their pregnancy were more likely to develop ADHD (“Unhealthy