ADHD in question: Russian psychiatrists have debunked myths about the diagnosis and its consequences

      The Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University has prepared explanations on key issues related to ADHD. According to the head of the department, Doctor of Medical Sciences A.A. Shmilovich and associate Professor I.P. Kireeva, the diagnosis of ADHD is often made without the participation of a psychiatrist — on the basis of questionnaires and questionnaires, which can lead to dangerous mistakes.

      So, depression and even psychosis can disguise themselves as ADHD, and trying to treat such conditions with psychostimulants increases the risk of suicidal thoughts. Experts consider it particularly disturbing that parents and doctors avoid going to a psychiatrist for fear of "accounting" or stigmatization.

      Experts emphasize that most children with hyperkinetic syndrome (as ADHD is often called in Russian medicine) have symptoms that disappear by adolescence. Only 20% of them persist into adulthood, and it is in these cases that social difficulties, addictions, and concomitant mental disorders may develop.

      Up to 87% of children with ADHD have concomitant diagnoses ranging from anxiety and depression to autism spectrum disorders. This makes diagnosis particularly difficult and requires a multidisciplinary approach involving psychiatrists, educators, psychologists, and families.

      The publication also emphasizes that despite popular claims, there is no reason to believe that ADHD directly leads to a decrease in life expectancy. A higher risk of injury, accidents, and other consequences may be associated with the impulsivity characteristic of the syndrome, but it is not a universal rule.

      As for the association of ADHD with chronic diseases like obesity and diabetes, experts admit that statistics show a certain correlation. However, the reasons for this are not so much the syndrome itself as the accompanying stress, lifestyle and background disorders.

      Psychiatrists insist that early and accurate diagnosis, as well as a comprehensive approach to treatment, is the key to successful adaptation of children with ADHD. Only the joint work of a family, school and doctors can ensure a child's full development and quality of life.