Over Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in African-American Boys in Elementary School.

This paper explores the possible over diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in African American males between the ages of 5-10. Factors such as social economic status (SES), and culture, will be explored as contributing to the diagnosis of ADHD in African American boys. Current data suggests that African American males have the highest percentage of the (ADHD) diagnoses (Kendall and Hatton, 2002). Research also shows that a diagnosis of ADHD often results in medication. It is thought that this population is overly medicated with drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin. There is little research on the long-term effects these medications have on children. This paper will explore the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in African-American boys in elementary school. It will explore the social work practice and policy implications of this diagnosis