Learning Disability or What?

Question: At the last parent teacher conference, my son's teacher said he is having problems concentrating and paying attention. His grades also are poorer than they have been in the past. Should I have him evaluated for ADHD? Answer: Difficulties concentrating and paying attention are like fever. They are common symptoms with many causes, one of which is Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, or ADHD for short. Children also can have the predominately inattentive type, known as ADD, and may not be hyperactive. Children often are misdiagnosed as ADHD when, in fact, the reason they are having trouble concentrating is due to another condition. First, a decline in grades could be indicative of a learning disorder with the accompanying attention problems revealing a tendency to not try rather than to try and fail. Secondly, children who are depressed often have concentration problems and decreased motivation. Thirdly, children experiencing anxiety can look similar to an ADHD child with both attention/concentration problems and an increase in motor movement and being "fidgety." It is easy to see why symptoms of depression and anxiety can be misdiagnosed as ADHD and, consequently, the treatment regimen proving to be ineffective. Another condition often misdiagnosed as ADHD is an adjustment disorder. This is when a child is experiencing a stressful situation and is having trouble managing or adjusting to it. Ignoring or downplaying the role of life changes or stressors also can lead to a misdiagnosis of ADHD. Some language disorders also look similar to ADHD. Children who have difficulties understanding and/or expressing language can exhibit problems with paying attention, concentrating, and not following instructions because of language processing difficulties. Bottom line, an evaluation of ADHD must include the considerations and ruling out of other conditions. Accurate treatment is based upon accurate diagnosis. The psychologists at the Rice - Lewis Clinic provide such a comprehensive evaluation. Answered by: Dr. Susan Bryant, Ph.D.