5 common problems that can mimic ADHD

Follow me on Twitter @drClaire Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is very common — according to the most recent statistics, one in 10 children between the ages of 4 and 17 has been diagnosed with this problem. So it’s not surprising that when parents notice that their child has trouble concentrating, is more active or impulsive than other children, and is having trouble in school, they think that their child might have ADHD. But ADHD isn’t the only problem that can cause a child to have trouble with concentration, behavior, or school performance. There are actually lots of problems that can cause symptoms that mimic ADHD, which is why it’s really important to do a careful evaluation before giving that diagnosis. Here are five common problems that parents and doctors should always think about: 1.  Hearing problems. If you can’t hear well, it’s hard to pay attention — and easy to get distracted. Now that more newborns are being screened for hearing problems before leaving the hospital, we are able to catch more cases early, but some slip through the cracks, and children can also develop hearing problems from getting lots of ear infections. Any child with behavioral or learning problems should have a hearing test to be sure their hearing is normal. 2.  Learning or cognitive disabilities. If children don’t understand what’s going on around them, it’s hard for them to focus and join in classwork. Children who have trouble understanding may als...
Source: Harvard Health Blog - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Behavioral Health Children's Health Mental Health Parenting Source Type: blogs