Code for ADHD Diagnosis: Could Your Zip Code Affect An ADHD Diagnosis?

There’s no doubt about it. The topic of ADHD has been hotly debated for years and with good reason. There is probably more that we don’t know about ADHD than we do know. Research is ongoing, and even the experts are at odds about what’s what when it comes to ADHD. To further confuse matters, certain other diagnoses can be misdiagnosed as an ADHD diagnosis. This includes such things as anxiety, depression and even some learning disabilities. What we think we might know about ADHD and the reality can be vastly different.

Is Attention Deficit Disorder even for real?

Some experts debate whether ADHD is a true medical condition. There is no singular test that can confirm it. An ADHD diagnosis rests mostly upon the subjective responses of teachers, caregivers, and parents. ADHD diagnoses have skyrocketed in the last four decades and there are some interesting trends to be aware of.

Code for ADHD Diagnosis: Does Your Zip Code Affect an ADHD Diagnosis?

Statistics for the Centers for Disease Control show us that whether or not your child even receives an ADHD diagnosis may depend, in part, on where you live. The highest number of cases are reported in North Carolina, while the least number of cases are identified in Nevada. Once a diagnosis is made, whether or not your child is medicated may also depend upon what region of the country you reside.

To Medicate or Not to Medicate After an ADHD Diagnosis?

Prescriptions written for medication to treat ADHD are statistically highest in Nebraska, while your child is least likely to be medicated if you live in California. Medication is not the only answer when it comes to treating the symptoms associated with ADHD, either. All psychotropic medications come with side-effects, and in some cases, the long-term effects are largely unknown. Alternative treatments include changes in diet, changes in daily schedules and activities, regulating sleep, behavior management activities and movement therapies, amongst others. These interventions, alone or in combination, can have a profound effect on changing symptoms.

What’s a Parent to Do About An ADHD Diagnosis?

With so much conflicting information, it’s no wonder parents feel confused as to how to best proceed. With pressure from teachers, scout leaders and more, parents may often feel burdened to act with immediacy. Generally speaking, making a rash decision in how to best help your child become more successful is rarely needed. Getting second opinions, trusting your gut and getting answers that satisfy your many questions may help point you in the right direction. Talk to your physician, explore alternative options and make a decision based on the best interests of your child. For parents trying to avoid medication, I highly suggest they investigate: “Transforming the Difficult Child: The Nurtured Heart Approach”by Howard Glasser. It offers incredible insight and a workable plan. While not a quick-fix, it definitely offers you a sound plan that will help change behaviors over time. Better yet, research has been done on this approach with some stunning results. Ultimately, it is a parental decision in terms of what will work best for your child and family.