I have seen a huge increase in ADHD diagnosis over the past 30 years.

So for me its a big yes, ADHD has become over diagnosed?

retired psychotherapist

Reason:

DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD

Symptoms and/or behaviors that have persisted ≥ 6 months in ≥ 2 settings (e.g., school, home, church). Symptoms have negatively impacted academic, social, and/or occupational functioning. In patients aged < 17 years, ≥ 6 symptoms are necessary; in those aged ≥ 17 years, ≥ 5 symptoms are necessary.

INATTENTIVE TYPE DIAGNOSIS CRITERIA:

• Displays poor listening skills - • Loses and/or misplaces items needed to complete activities or tasks - • Sidetracked by external or unimportant stimuli - • Forgets daily activities - • Diminished attention span - • Lacks ability to complete schoolwork and other assignments or to follow instructions - • Avoids or is disinclined to begin homework or activities requiring concentration - • Fails to focus on details and/or makes thoughtless mistakes in schoolwork or assignments.

HYPERACTIVE/IMPULSIVE TYPE DIAGNOSIS CRITERIA

HYPERACTIVE SYMPTOMS:

• Squirms when seated or fidgets with feet/hands - • Marked restlessness that is difficult to control - • Appears to be driven by “a motor” or is often “on the go” - • Lacks ability to play and engage in leisure activities in a quiet manner - • Incapable of staying seated in class - • Overly talkative

IMPULSIVE SYMPTOMS:

• Difficulty waiting turn - • Interrupts or intrudes into conversations and activities of others - • Impulsively blurts out answers before questions completed -

THIS IS NORMAL CHILDHOOD BEHAVIOUR.

50% OF ALL THE CHILDREN I WORKED WITH AS A PLAY THERAPIST AND CHILDEN AND FAMILIES THERAPIST EXHIBIT THESE SYMPTOMS AND DO NOT HAVE ADHD.