Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been on the rise since 2003. However the question being asked is, is this an accurate diagnosis? There are other problems, less serious, that mimic ADHD. They are sleep disorders. Sleep disorders must be ruled out before all else. The medications given for ADHD, once misdiagnosed, may very well worsen the sufferer’s symptoms. Sleep disorders are known to present as drowsiness, sluggishness, or being obstinate, tense and anxious. Often, inattention, distractibility, and poor concentration may be present, as well as an inability to sit still and relate to others in a productive manner.
The drugs used to treat ADHD such as Ritalin, Adderall, and others are serious medications which can in fact cause sleeplessness, insomnia and restlessness. A vicious and complicated cycle can therefore ensue. Before putting your child on medication, monitor the amount of sleep your child gets. If at all possible, the quality of your child’s sleep should also be observed. Should you notice any sleep disturbances such as snoring, frequent bathroom visits, trips for water, bedwetting, sleep walking or sleep talking, these ought to be reported for evaluation. If a child loses even a half an hour of sleep at night because of staying up too late, playing video games, or texting, this can duplicate symptoms of ADHD. Parents must be able to answer the question, “How much sleep does my child get?”