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Vision problems are becoming commonly mistaken for ADHD

By Staff Writer

More than 5 million children have been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) since 2007, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many kids are put on medication for the condition and can become addicted over time. However, new research shows that children who have been diagnosed with ADHD may have a different condition.

Katy Kluck is one example of a child who was once told she had ADHD by her physician, according to WNDU-TV. She told the news source that her inability to focus on a single page led her doctor to believe she suffered from ADHD. However, after further examination by an optometrist, Kluck was told she had a vision problem - not ADHD.

Many experts say that nearly 60 percent of children with vision problems are diagnosed with a learning disability. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics believes that vision therapy may just provide parents with peace of mind, as opposed to addressing an underlying condition.

Parents of children who have been prescribed medication for ADHD are advised to monitor dosage. Common forms of treatment, such as Ritalin, may result in addiction over time. Primary care physicians can administer substance abuse help for children who have become dependent on medication.

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