Marina Pisano: A helpful new ADHD guide for parents

With so many children on Ritalin and other drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, some critics have warned that ADHD is being way overdiagnosed, that kids are being medicated as a way to manage overactive and unruly behavior at home or school.

But in a study published in September, researchers at the Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center said the opposite is happening. They found that almost 9 percent of American children have ADHD, but only 32 percent of the 9 percent are getting the treatment they need. Girls are more likely to be undiagnosed, and kids without health insurance are less likely to be diagnosed and treated. What’s more, youngsters from poor families, who have the highestr rates of ADHD, are least likely to get consistent treatment with medication.

It’s no surprise that some parents are confused, especially if they have children who are inattentive, overly restless and impulsive. Only a physician can make the diagnosis, but for parents who are dealing with an ADHD child or want to learn more about the disorder, there is a new online medication guide from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Psychiatric Association that provides information on symptoms, treatment options, medication side effects and co-occuring disorders to watch for. The guide is available in English and Spanish and includes fact sheets and a long list of additional resources for further information.

Physicians say ADHD is not something to dismiss. Untreated, it can lead to failure at school, discipline problems, injury and depression. What’s more, it’s not always outgrown. It’s estimated that 50 percent of children who have ADHD will have symptoms as adults, where they can impact relationships and jobs.