Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disruptive behaviour disorder of childhood and represents a syndrome of developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity (Association, 1994; DuPaul, 2003). It is one of the most commonly diagnosed and controversial of the child clinical syndromes (Jones, 2002). ADHD's frequent Comorbidity with other conditions such as, conduct disorder, depression, anxiety and other disorders (Biederman, Newcorn, & Sprich, 1991) clouds interpretation of the ADHD thus adding to the controversy.However, there has been a considerable attention paid in developing reliable and valid procedures for diagnosing ADHD (DuPa ...view middle of the document...
It is quite possible in some cases where ADHD was diagnosed by one person may differ from another person doing the diagnosis. In other words a person may be diagnosed as having ADHD by one person and not by another. If one sees a child as person who is easily exited and that constitute as a healthy part of their development will not perceive that as a problem whereas if one wants to limit the child's exploratory behaviour may see the child as a candidate for diagnosis.The diagnosis depends on how a person perceives that behaviour displayed by the child. Behaviours such as hyperactivity, distractibility and impulsivity can depend on the child's environment. For example, a child may be hyperactive or easily distractible while doing a boring or difficult task and may not be while singing in a school musical. There are also many other reasons other than ADHD why children may have these behaviours. Issues, such as infections, learning difficulties and education may result in symptoms similar to ADHD and lead to incorrect diagnosis. Children sometimes have difficulty concentrating, or may not be in the mood to talk to or cooperate with the doctor on the day they see the doctor. Behavioural symptoms may be similar to that of ADHD. This could also lead to incorrect diagnosis since the doctor can only observe and guess whether the child has ADHD.Most parents would want their children to be more placid rather than spend most of their time following their children around. This can lead to overdiagnosis of ADHD. Jones (2002) states that since it is accepted that problems within a child's environment can produce symptoms commonly associated with ADHD has also lead to criticisms that ADHD has been overdiagnosed. ADHD continually serves as a neat way for the parents ...
