I do believe that attention deficit disorder is a real issue for some children as well as adults. I also believe it is over diagnosed as well as misdiagnosed. In 25 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I have seen many cases where a child manifested symptoms of ADD but actually had another diagnosis. Let me explain.
Allergic Tension Fatigue Syndrome (ATFS) is a condition that manifests identical symptoms of ADD but is immune system based instead of neurologically based. Very few pediatricians know about this disorder but it is very real and very treatable. The problem is you have to know what you are treating.
Doris Rapp, M.D., wrote a book called “Is This Your Child?” and it talks about how immune system deficiencies can impact behavior, impulse control, concentration, learning, etc. She also discusses the impact that inhalants as well as food and chemicals can impact a child.
The reason I bring this up is everyday I deal with moms who are at their wits end on knowing where to go and how to proceed with the gnawing issues that the professionals in their lives are not answering. I was one of those moms who was determined to get to the bottom of my son’s health and behavior issues but ran into roadblock after roadblock. I found myself frustrated, scared, overwhelmed, and alone. I also knew that if I quit, my son was in deep trouble.
I have multiple examples of children whose behavior, learning ability, and overall health drastically improved when they were treated properly. Unfortunately, because there are so few doctors who treat this condition, you may have to track down a doctor who is outside the box or who is teachable. Dr. Rapp’s book will give you options on how to find a doctor or even begin your own investigation of your child’s issues.
Do not cease your child’s medication if he or she is presently on it without consulting your doctor first. It is also important to remember there is always a reason why your children act the way they do. It is our job as moms to figure out what it means and to help them get beyond the place where they are stuck.
