A recent article highlights the importance of environmental factors when diagnosing and treating children with Attention Deficit Disorder (A.D.D.). Dr. L. Alan Sroufe (NY Times, 1/29/12) wrote a comprehensive article on the overuse of drugs in the treatment of A.D.D. He takes issue with the assumption that there is a "brain deficit" in children who have attention difficulties and points out that the improvement in attention fades over time and that all people benefit from stimulant medication when focusing on more rote tasks. His basic point, is that society is overlooking environmental influences in the rush to medicate. For instance, emotional problems such as depression, turmoil at home, lack of social support, and ineffective parenting can produce behavior and attention problems and these factors are not addressed in the rush to medication.
Many of Dr.Sroufe's observations were confirmed in my practice as a school psychologist. I found ADHD becoming an increasingly frequent diagnosis with medication as the primary recommendation. However, I knew from working with the student that there were other, sometimes more pressing factors such as family distress or parenting disagreement. It was much easier to go the path of medication than tangle with the difficult task of understanding the family dynamics and making changes.
That being said, there were many instances when medication was crucial and effective. The child learned, felt better about himself because he wasn't constantly being redirected and gained socially as well. Even if it's true that the effect of the medication fades after three years, three years is a long time, and the benefits could improve that child's life forever.
One reason I became an educational consultant and started ParentConfidante School Success Consulting is that many of the evaluations I read were incomplete and didn't consider all factors. In my work, I refer parents to highly skilled professionals whose assessments are reliable and give a complete picture of the child and what would be helpful. An accurate diagnosis is crucial if the child is to make lasting progress. To help your child make the positive steps she deserves contact me at 646-300-1881.
