Do Parents Seek a Diagnosis of ADHD instead of Disciplining Children?

By Eileen Bailey

Some critics of ADHD indicate that parents rely on a diagnosis of ADHD as a way to not discipline their children. These critics believe that ADHD is a reflection on today’s society, our current values and a breakdown in families. Based on this theory, ADHD is overdiagnosed.

Research, however, does not back up this theory. Brain scans have shown a correlation between underactive brain activity in the frontal lobe and children with ADHD. Activity in the frontal region of the brain helps with problem solving, planning, understanding other people and in impulse control. Less activity in this area of the brain may cause deficiencies in these areas. The National Institute of Mental Health Child Psychiatry Branch completed research in 2002 showing the correlation between smaller brains and ADHD. [3]

According to the American Medical Association, research “points to ADHD as a developmental disorder of probable neurogentic origin.” [4]

The theory that parents seek out a diagnosis of ADHD in order to make parenting easier would also lead to the theory that poor parenting causes ADHD. According to the National Resource Center for ADHD, poor parenting skills can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, but do not cause it. ADHD. For many parents, seeking a diagnosis of ADHD is seeking out an answer to behaviors that are not understood. It is a parent’s attempt to resolve, improve and understand their child’s behavior. Most parents, when seeking a diagnosis are looking for solutions and in doing so, are exhibiting good parenting techniques.

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