Experts Say Some Hyperactive Kids may Be Just Naughty

Teachers are labelling children as hyperactive when they are simply naughty, psychiatrists have suggested.

Psychiatrists have suggested that most teachers are labelling children as hyperactive when they are simply naughty.

A study showed that only 50 percent kids whom teachers suspected of having ADHD were diagnosed with the condition by a mental health expert.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder-Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment-FAQ
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder that affects normal behavior and impairs the ability to concentrate.

The research has raised concerns that children are being wrongly diagnosed because they are disruptive in lessons or refuse to co-operate with teachers.

Kids suffering from ADHD cannot concentrate on schoolwork or play and are easily distracted, forgetful or fail to follow instructions.

They are also unduly noisy, restless, fidget constantly, often talk excessively, butt into others' conversations and cannot wait in line.

Exposure to Smoking in Prenatal Stage Increases ADHD Risk in Children
Some expectant mothers who smoke during pregnancy may be exposing their baby to the risk of the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to a study

According to estimates, around 1.7 per cent of the population is affected by ADHD, mostly children and if it cannot be controlled with behavioural therapy then medication such as Ritalin is considered.

In the study, based in Tower Hamlets, 52 children were referred to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services team with ADHD-like symptoms over the course of one year.

Adopted Teens Twice as Likely to Have Psychiatric Disorders
A study on adopted US teens has indicated that despite being psychologically healthy, these adoptees are prone to a greater risk for emotional and behavioural problems than non-adoptees.

Of those, it was clear most did not have ADHD and 14 were observed in the classroom by the mental health team. Eventually six were diagnosed with ADHD.

The researchers said that they are unsure why teachers may be over-identifying children with possible ADHD diagnoses.

Behavioral Disturbance in Teens Linked to Lack of Sleep
A new study has revealed that lack of sleep among teens may not only contribute to lower grades and a lack of motivation, but may also increase the odds of serious levels of emotional

"Naughty children may at some point present symptoms but someone with ADHD has them at all times," the Telegraph quoted lead author Dr Benjamin Keene, as saying.

Researchers have suggested that better educational resources need to be made available to teachers to help them accurately identify those children with ADHD, and that CAMHS teams should develop structured school observation tools or telephone interview schedules, so that identified children can be independently and expertly assessed in a classroom setting.

The results of the study carried out in East London will be presented at the annual meeting of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Source-ANI
RAS/S