Diseases That Mimic Attention Deficit Disorder
ADD Disorders and the Wrong Diagnosis in ADD Children, ADD Adults
Oct 22, 2009
Attention deficit disorder, often referred to as ADD, is a growing health concern among many parents, individuals, and physicians. It is important to rule out the presence of other diseases that may mimic ADD, and avoid the wrong diagnosis.
Although a series of tests need to be done in order to determine that someone is afflicted with attention deficit disorder, the key trait that exists among ADD sufferers leads back to their childhood. With numerous other disorders mirroring the symptoms of ADD, it is important to realize that ADD is a disorder whose symptoms must have occurred before the patient had reached the age of seven.
Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder That can Lead to a Wrong Diagnosis
According to Dr. David B. Sudderth, author of Adult ADD, the Complete Handbook, it is imperative to do a childhood history of the patient seeking diagnosis of ADD and ADHD. Certain factors must exist in order to complete an accurate diagnosis. For example, either numerous examples of inattention, such as failing to follow through on instructions or paying close attention to detail, or hyperactivity-impulsivity must be present.
Other criteria include the symptoms interfering with everyday life in more than one setting (such as home and work). There must also be no conflict with other personality or psychotic disorder.
The following are some common diseases that may lead to a wrong diagnosis with ADD:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Adults
It is rather common to attain an inaccurate diagnosis or confuse the symptoms of an ADD patient and a sufferer of post-traumatic stress disorder. While the two diseases are completely different, many of their symptoms are overlapping.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, however, is triggered by a severely devastating circumstance or set of circumstances that occurred in an individual’s life, rather than a disease that began its onset as a young child. This is a situation where investigating a patient’s childhood can be beneficial.
Neurological Illnesses can Mirror Symptoms of ADD
Certain neurological illnesses may also have the same surface symptoms as an ADD sufferer would endure. An ADD sufferer may be accidentally diagnosed with frontal lobe disease or epilepsy when the true trigger to their symptoms stems from attention deficit disorder. Many tests, such as EEGs and MRIs should be used to rule out any neurological disorders, and a complete childhood history should be thoroughly evaluated to determine the onset of symptoms.
Tourette’s Syndrome is another neurological disorder that can have many of the same symptoms as attention deficit disorder. Tourette’s Syndrome is normally present in childhood, so it is important to note the intervals of symptoms. Symptoms for an ADD patient are usually constant, while Tourette’s syndrome symptoms can come and go.
Other Diseases That can be Confused With Attention Deficit Disorder
Lyme disease can lead to a loss of concentration and focus, and is sometimes mistaken for ADD in young children. The treatment options for both Lyme disease and ADD are different, so finding the correct diagnosis is important.
Thyroid disease can be determined by a medical doctor and ruled out before a diagnosis of ADD is bestowed upon the patient. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, when mild, can be misdiagnosed for adult ADD as well, and should be ruled out by a neurologist.
The Importance of a Correct Diagnosis
With so many diseases that can mirror the symptoms of ADD, it is essential to rule out any other diseases that may be present and misdiagnosed. Attention deficit disorder treatment can vary greatly from many of the other diseases listed above, and receiving the wrong treatment can be devastating to the success of the ADD patient. When in doubt, always contact a local physician who can attend to any medical concerns.
Source: "Adult ADD, the Complete Handbook", by David B Sudderth, M.D. and Joseph Kandel, M.D., Published by Three Rivers Press, 1 edition, October 1996, ISBN # 0761507965
 |
 |
 |
