Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Myths and Facts

" Thanks for joining us finally Clark there's a lot of talk in recent years about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or 88 day. And with all the talk -- a lot of misinformation. Here today to help us separate fact from fiction. Our expert doctor Patricia Quinn a developmental pediatrician from Washington DC in private practice. And a doctor Peter Jensen who is a professor -- child psychiatry at Columbia University let's get right to it in 88. 5% of the population. It is applicable we can't have certain symptoms with diagnostic criteria. That a group of professionals who deal in the field can't accurately diagnose the disorder. Doctor Johnson is eighty HD over diagnose start over treatable."

" Probably under diagnosed more than it's over diagnosed only about half of the total to 88 -- identified and treated it probably some. We don't have the condition who are. Presumably treated for the biggest problem is under diagnosed and miss Agnes."

" Doctor Quinn. Many ADHD -- to treated with stimulant. Leading to questions about whether to set someone up -- future problems with drug abuse or addiction is that true absolutely not what we're finding is. That reading it out who has ADHD with stimulant. Causes an eight fold increase in the best substance abuse or alcohol abuse later in life and we want to get them diagnose. And treat you properly so they don't abuse drug and alcohol. Doctor Benson and children who had 88. Stop taking medication when they hit adolescence is they're at a turn off point for the does it."

" Many children most actually catalyst and will continue to benefit from medication into apple. There's a small number that might be able to do well without them by and large most children and a we'll continue to need the medication."

" Hard questions it for me to even ask but some people might feel that way doesn't diagnosed a ADHD you mean that your set up. For a lifetime of disappointments or failures. Absolutely not. When we diagnose the disorder one of the most common reactions from adults particularly as hoped. Now I know what's really wrong with me I'm not stupid lazier crazy I have this disorder we now have effective treatments and ways to deal with the and I find it really is a very treatable disorder. And there are many doctors out there -- can count doctor -- worked in people's dark but they're looking for treatment."

" Well. Your primary care provider should be trained in this area but has not always the case. And so often you turned out their parents or others who may be not only here you had experienced and around -- A -- another look at gunpoint in the right direction of well trained pediatrician. And child psychiatrist or psychologist. These are the professionals are -- do the diagnosis and treatment. Thanks so much for the good advice and the quick overview -- ADHD. Thanks for joining us."