Discussing the ADHD ‘controversy’ with patients and parents
Understanding these aspects about ADHD and how they are misinterpreted in the media can help families make more informed and comfortable decisions about their child’s care in collaboration with their pediatrician. It also is important for pediatricians to be proactive in distributing reliable and science-backed material to the public in this new age of information overload.
Case follow-up
The pediatrician hears the family’s concerns and discusses the evidence supporting the scientific legitimacy of ADHD, as well as some of the qualities of the diagnosis that have led to its controversy. The parents are reassured but would like to proceed carefully and cautiously with further work-up and treatment. The pediatrician sends the family home with some quantitative rating scales to be completed by Hunter’s parents and teacher. She also makes a plan to begin monitoring several health promotion areas that could be impacting Hunter’s behavior including sleep quality, physical activity, screen time, and nutrition.
References
2. Dev Neuropsychol. 2013;38(4):211-25.3. Can Fam Physician. 2016 Dec;62(12):979-82.
4. ADHD boundaries with normal behavior. Pediatric News; published online Aug. 27, 2014.
5. Zombification is not an acceptable medical outcome. Psychology Today, ABCs of Child Psychiatry blog; published online Oct. 18, 2013.
Dr. Rettew is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and associate professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine, Burlington. Follow him on Twitter @PediPsych.
