ADD/ADHD is not a disorder than should be taken lightly and with that said, diagnosis of ADD/ADHD should also be thorough and inclusive of many tests; psychological and medical that can confirm the disorder ruling out other disorders as well as deviant behavior. More often than not, diagnosis of ADD/ADHD is based solely on reporting of symptoms be it from the individual, parents, teachers and caregivers; and often by the family physician.



The condition of being misdiagnosis, be it over diagnosis and under diagnosis have been causing great problems for the medical community even worse for society that has to deal with deviant behavior etc. Proper diagnosis is needed to ensure sanity for all.

The case of misdiagnosis of ADD/ADHD can be attributed to the fact that this disorder possesses symptoms very similar to other common disorder such as depression, anxiety, specific learning disabilities, early onset bipolar disorder, Tourette’s Syndrome, food allergies, head injuries, fetal alcohol syndrome, dental problems (such as abscessed root canals or mercury toxicity from fillings). Family dynamics issues, grief or trauma too can be mistaken for ADD/ADHD. Other times, the symptoms can subside with a better approach to parenting.

It is often that ADD/ADHD symptoms correctly diagnosed is exceptionally low.

A better way to ensure correct diagnosis is needed as there are many disorders that have symptoms similar to ADD/ADHD.

There is however, a better way to get a more accurate diagnosis of ADD/ADHD. This process is called differential diagnosis.

Merriam-Webster’s Medical Dictionary defines differential diagnosis as “the distinguishing of a disease or condition from others presenting similar symptoms". Essentially, the process takes place in the following manner:

Before anything else, the clinician investigates the history and physical examination of the patient so that possible disorders can be list out. This process is called differential diagnosis and it is a clinical decision making. With all the possible disorder listed, related tests are carried out on the patient- Encyclopedia Brittanica.

Perhaps the most important part of the process is when “the clinician then decides what tests to order to help refine the list or identify the specific disease". In many cases, this refinement never takes place. Conditions such as food allergies, toxicity, and psychological issues are rarely investigated. There are several reasons for this. It is often difficult for a physician to confront a parent with what may be a display of symptoms due to poor parenting, abuse, or familial stress, and many physicians realize that the work involved in teaching everyone involved with someone diagnosed with a nutritional deficiency or toxicity is more than some families will commit to. Additionally, it’s ok to have ADD/ADHD, it’s not ok to be in the early stages of developing a major mental disorder.

Trying to change parental approach of parents is most likely a very challenging task.

It is hard to accept that a diagnosis points to mental illness.

Many people will not do what is necessary to ensure that nutritional needs are met, allergies and sensitivities are addressed, and that toxic substances are avoided.

t is far more easier for us to be supplied with medication than get treated any other ways.

What can be said about simply medicating ADD/ADHD without proper diagnosis is that it has caused many misdiagnosis contributing to dangerous side effects. A proper diagnosis is needed by thorough investigation on what causes the symptoms. This will of course require a lot of energy, time and resources.