"Maybe It Isn't the ADHD"
As my children mature, they make more independent decisions about things like fashion (oh boy, the outfits). Sometimes, their bad judgment calls can't (and shouldn't) be blamed on ADHD.
3 Comments: "Maybe It Isn't the ADHD"
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Advertisement
It’s tempting to immediately assume anything annoying or bizarre my son does is because of his ADHD, or his (acronym of your choice). But at least half the time the correct diagnosis is BHAT (Because He’s A Teenager).
I think it’s true that not everything is caused by ADHD but many people would misconstrue that and it would be a little harsh to think half the kids diagnosed with ADHD don’t have it. A competent prescriber is unlikely to let that happen. There could be a problem when someone takes amphetamines and accepts a diagnosis based solely on being able to concentrate better. The truth is that almost anyone can concentrate better with a little amphetamines in about a half an hour. Doctors are less likely than ever to prescribe amphetamines. It is nearly impossible to get a prescription without a serious life impairment for the patient and a careful review and follow up on the effects of the medication. There is a paradoxical response to amphetamines for hyperactivity and impulsiveness that simply wouldn’t happen if a non ADHD child took amphetamines for a sustained period. It is tough because the symptoms of ADHD are similar to the symptoms of childhood and only a professional can sort it out. It is my belief that so many fewer girls are diagnosed because the symptoms of hyperactivity display differently and are unrecognizable as compared to boys.
‘Kids make bizarre decisions all the time, and it could be they’re driven more by creativity or laziness or defiance than they are by inattentiveness.’
I think ‘apathy’ could also be in the mix.