By Barbara Marques
Recently, a young mother appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America sharing that she gives her 7-year-old son two cups of coffee each day to calm him down and treat his ADHD. According to the report, the mother recognized symptoms in her son and was “convinced” he had the disorder. Then, “without an official diagnosis, [she] turned to the Internet in search of a treatment.” Coffee is what she found. You can view the story here.
Using the Internet to Diagnose and Self-Medicate
I’m not a doctor…and I won’t “play” one here. I admit, I don’t know all of the details about that mom’s situation or whether she actually consulted a doctor (the story suggests she didn’t) before she started treating her son with caffeine. Still, the report raised red flags in my mind. My biggest fear is that the story may lead other parents to diagnose and self-medicate their children based on a Google search, rather than consulting a medical professional. Relying on the worldwide web for advice on children’s health is risky business to say the least.
The Effects of Not Treating ADHD
As a teacher, I’ve seen the effects untreated ADHD can have on children. Sadly, they are often outcast. I’ve seen ADHD students blurt out or act on the first thing that comes to mind – impulsivity is a big part of ADHD. In elementary grades, they often can’t keep their hands to themselves. And their grades suffer – a student may daydream their way through an entire class or leave a perfectly complete homework assignment at home.
As a general rule, teachers don’t outright tell parents that they suspect their child may have ADHD, but we do describe the behaviors we see in the classroom. If your child’s teacher reports impulsive behavior, daydreaming or forgetfulness, share this information with your pediatrician.
Treated Kids Gain Focus and Raise their Grades
When treated (medically or with behavior modification) I’ve seen inattentive students become amazingly focused and raise their grade by one letter grade or more. The proper treatment makes all the difference! I thought it would be appropriate to address some facts about this prevalent disorder.
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a true, diagnosable condition that can hinder a child’s social and academic development if it is not properly treated. It is more common in boys than in girls. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) describes three symptoms of the disorder –inattention (daydreams in class, easily distracted, forgets things), hyperactivity (cannot stay seated, talks too much, in constant motion) and impulsivity (acts without thinking, frequently interrupts others).
Pediatricians look for multiple symptoms that occur in more than one setting (for example, at home and at school). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that as of 2007, nearly 10% of 4- to 17-year-old children have been diagnosed with ADHD. And researchers tell us that this statistic rises each year.
What to Do if You Recognize Symptoms of ADHD?
If you notice symptoms in your child, you should talk with your pediatrician about your concerns. Diagnosing ADHD is not an exact science – there is no medical test for it. Rather, doctors rely on a process that will require you to gather information from multiple sources (parents, teachers and caregivers).
My pediatrician sends the NICHQ Vanderbilt Evaluation Form to teachers to gain input on the child’s classroom activity and demeanor. Some doctors will also refer younger patients to a neuropsychologist for a specialized ADHD assessment. You doctor will then make a diagnosis based on information gained from all sources.
Discuss Treatment with your Doctor
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, discuss treatment with your pediatrician – you may opt for medication, behavior modification techniques, counseling or one of several valid alternative treatments. (And it never hurts to consider joining a support group for parents of ADHD children.)
Two excellent sources on ADHD include the American Academy of Pediatrics web site and the National Institute for Mental Health. Just remember, even the best of internet sources should never take the place of a visit to a trusted pediatrician!
Barbara Marques is a former Texas math and social studies teacher and the mother of two elementary school-aged daughters.
