Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children: more focus on care and support, less on diagnosis

University courses Medicine & Psychology
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ADHD diagnoses have surged globally in the last three decades, yet Luise Kazda and colleagues caution that this trend may hinder access to care and support for affected children. While diagnosing ADHD is commonly believed to lead to better long-term outcomes, this notion lacks robust evidence. Research and guidelines often overemphasise the benefits of diagnosis for accessing interventions, while downplaying potential harms.

Kazda and team propose that providing symptom-appropriate care and support to children with inattentive/hyperactive behaviors, irrespective of diagnosis, could enhance access to beneficial interventions while mitigating harms associated with labeling. They advocate for rigorous studies to identify those most likely to benefit or suffer adverse effects from an ADHD diagnosis.

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i think our generation rly need to be educated on this topic, also the new generations attention span are gonna go lower and lower because of social media

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social media is a big factor causing adhd in children these days. It’s concerning to hear about the surge in ADHD diagnoses globally. I’m intrigued by Kazda and her team’s proposal to focus on symptom-appropriate care rather than solely relying on diagnosis. Do you think this approach could lead to more effective interventions for children with inattentive/hyperactive behaviours?

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I think the waiting list for NHS diagnosis / treatment for ADHD can be up to a few years, which is totally impractical when people are in need of support, especially as it can so heavily impact one’s day to day life.

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Thanks for sharing your thoughts on ADHD diagnoses, it’s such an important topic. I completely agree that focusing on symptom-appropriate care and support, regardless of diagnosis, can be beneficial as it’s crucial to prioritise their wellbeing and access to interventions without adding unnecessary labels.

But I’m sure there is also a need for more rigorous studies to better understand who stands to benefit most from a diagnosis and who might be adversely affected. I guess this approach could lead to more tailored and effective interventions?

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