One-Third of U.S. Kids With ADHD Diagnosed Before Age 6: Report
One-Third of U.S. Kids With ADHD Diagnosed Before Age 6: Report
But researchers add that few valid tests exist to support diagnosis in children that young
If doctors are using information from teachers in making a diagnosis, that suggests doctors are not making quick decisions in 15 or 30 minutes based only on a parent's description of their child's behavior, Nigg added.
Yet overdiagnosis may still be occurring, based on the report, said Dr. Danelle Fisher, vice chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif.
"Overdiagnosis presents a number of problems, including being improperly labeled as ADHD if, in fact, another behavioral or psychiatric problem is the cause of the symptom," Fisher said. "This could also lead to overmedication of such children."
Both Fisher and Nigg suggested it is unwise to rush to a judgment of ADHD if a preschool child seems particularly boisterous or difficult to manage.
"Children are developing rapidly at that age, and many 4-year-olds who seem excessively hyperactive tend to stabilize during the major development shift from 4 to 6 years old," Nigg said. But he added that the situation can become too severe to wait it out sometimes.
"In cases where the child is unable to learn, unable to participate in group or preschool activities, or where a negative relationship is developing between parent and child, then a professional evaluation and intervention are likely indicated," Nigg added.
Several options may be available for parents, Fisher said.
"Firstly, parents should look into parenting classes in order to help them manage difficult or unruly behavior," Fisher said. "Secondly, if there is a family history of ADHD or other childhood behavior disorders, neuropsychological testing should be performed by a qualified professional, including a psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist."
A key aspect of an ADHD diagnosis, she added, is that the symptoms occur across multiple settings, such as at home and at school.
"Parents should be wary of an ADHD diagnosis made on the observation of symptoms in only one setting," Fisher said.
One-Third of Kids With ADHD Diagnosed Before Age 6
But researchers add that few valid tests exist to support diagnosis in children that young
If doctors are using information from teachers in making a diagnosis, that suggests doctors are not making quick decisions in 15 or 30 minutes based only on a parent's description of their child's behavior, Nigg added.
Yet overdiagnosis may still be occurring, based on the report, said Dr. Danelle Fisher, vice chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, Calif.
"Overdiagnosis presents a number of problems, including being improperly labeled as ADHD if, in fact, another behavioral or psychiatric problem is the cause of the symptom," Fisher said. "This could also lead to overmedication of such children."
Both Fisher and Nigg suggested it is unwise to rush to a judgment of ADHD if a preschool child seems particularly boisterous or difficult to manage.
"Children are developing rapidly at that age, and many 4-year-olds who seem excessively hyperactive tend to stabilize during the major development shift from 4 to 6 years old," Nigg said. But he added that the situation can become too severe to wait it out sometimes.
"In cases where the child is unable to learn, unable to participate in group or preschool activities, or where a negative relationship is developing between parent and child, then a professional evaluation and intervention are likely indicated," Nigg added.
Several options may be available for parents, Fisher said.
"Firstly, parents should look into parenting classes in order to help them manage difficult or unruly behavior," Fisher said. "Secondly, if there is a family history of ADHD or other childhood behavior disorders, neuropsychological testing should be performed by a qualified professional, including a psychologist, psychiatrist or neurologist."
A key aspect of an ADHD diagnosis, she added, is that the symptoms occur across multiple settings, such as at home and at school.
"Parents should be wary of an ADHD diagnosis made on the observation of symptoms in only one setting," Fisher said.
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