ADHD Nation: Are We Over-diagnosing?

Is it a growing epidemic or a big fraud? A new study suggests that nearly one in four adults who show up in doctors' offices seeking treatment for ADHD may be faking or exaggerating symptoms.

This doesn’t diminish the pain of those who legitimately do struggle with ADHD, and many who exaggerate their symptoms really do suffer from the Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Still, 22 percent of adults in the study who claimed they suffered from the disorder tried to skew test results to make their symptoms look worse, according to a new report based published in the journal The Clinical Neuropsychologist.

The study, based on the medical records of some 268 patients, found that some of those who embellished really did suffer from ADHD, they just overstated symptoms to make sure they got diagnosed. Others didn't have the disorder at all, but were having a tough time dealing with their workloads and lives.

Often, those who are struggling with other issues such as depression, anxiety or lack of sleep may look for an ADHD diagnosis as it seems more “concrete” and has a clear treatment path. Then there is the trend among teens and college or grad students who know they don’t have ADHD but seek ADHD meds to boost concentration and focus. Others may have even more nefarious reasons, seeking prescription meds like Ritalin and Adderall simply for a quick, inexpensive high.

In the U.S., health experts estimate that between two percent and four percent of the adult population is estimated to have ADHD, or 4 million to 8 million people. Many are first diagnosed as children, with more than half of those continuing to experience symptoms into adulthood. The problem is there’s no standardized test to determine if someone has ADHD, and the condition can be difficult to diagnose in adults. Add to that the problem of misuse among ADHD drugs and there really is a problem.

Prescription Drug Treatment

If you or someone you love is battling an addiction or co-occurring disorder, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.