Doctor Denies Records of 18-year-old's Attention Deficit

Dear Dr. Donohue:

My son was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder at an early age. When he was in his pre-teens, he refused to take his medicine.

Now my son is 18 and in a downward spiral.

The new doctor we saw said my son does not have this disorder, in spite of all the records from my son's pediatrician and many specialists. When you come up against a doctor who says that attention deficit disorder is "hype," it does more damage than good.

What should I do? --J.M.

Answer: Attention Deficit Disorder is not hype or a hoax. It's a miswiring of brain circuits that often can be successfully treated with medicine and counseling.

While often regarded as only a childhood problem, ADD persists into adulthood in more than 10 percent of all cases. Some estimate that as many as 60 percent of all juvenile patients still have the problem later as adults. Inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are ADD's three hallmarks. The affected person makes careless mistakes and cannot sustain focus on the job at hand. He is easily distracted and finds it difficult to organize tasks and take them to completion.

Restlessness is another feature. Hands and feet are constantly fidgeting. The diagnosis depends on an extensive interview with the patient, as the doctor documents the symptoms.

I don't know why your son's new doctor dismissed the testimonials of the professionals your son has seen in the past. Your son needs an evaluation from a doctor who doesn't dismiss the disorder as "hype."

With medicine and counseling, you can expect dramatic improvement in your son's behavior.

Ed Note: Dr. Paul Donohue's column appears daily in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. This question and response was published October 31, 1997.