When we think of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the image of little boys who can't sit still or focus on one task for any extended period of time often comes to mind. If you're the parent of such a child, you may be concerned that he might be diagnosed with the condition and, as a result, prescribed some powerful medication.
However, a recent study conducted in Iceland showed that your son or daughter may not be prone ADHD simply on the basis gender, but rather, his or her birthday. Sound odd? Well, it isn't according to the scientists who conducted the research.
The analysts concluded that out of 12,000 children who participated, those who were the youngest of their class were approximately 50 percent more likely than kids who were among the oldest students to be prescribed ADHD medicine when they were between the ages of 7 to 14.
"Educators and health-care providers should take children's ages in relation to their [classmates] into account when evaluating academic performance and other criteria for ADHD diagnosis," study author and postdoctoral fellow in New York City Helga Zoega said in a statement. "Parents can use these findings to help inform their decisions about school readiness for children born close to cutoff dates for school entry."
According to HealthDay, a more detailed explanation of the findings were printed in November 19's edition of the professional journal Pediatrics.
Of course, if you have any concerns that your lovebug has been diagnosed with ADHD and shouldn't be taking medication, talk to your family doctor. He or she can not only answer any questions that you may have, but also recommend that further testing be conducted that can identify, if necessary, how to cope with the condition.