--- title: "The ADDD (Attention Deficit Disorder Dilemma) | Denver Psychiatry Blog" description: "There is frequent attention in the media regarding Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Most recently, the New York Times published an article on March..." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": [ "MedicalBusiness", "MedicalOrganization", "LocalBusiness" ], "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "alternateName": "Denver Psychiatry - Dr. Steve Sarche", "description": "Denver Psychiatry is a private psychiatric practice founded by Dr. Steve Sarche in 2004, providing comprehensive mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver metropolitan area.", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/logo.png" }, "image": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/og-image.png", "telephone": "+1-303-393-8808", "faxNumber": "+1-303-399-6069", "email": "drsteve@denverpsychiatry.com", "foundingDate": "2004", "founder": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" }, "priceRange": "$$", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N", "addressLocality": "Denver", "addressRegion": "CO", "postalCode": "80246", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 39.7086, "longitude": -104.9567 }, "areaServed": { "@type": "GeoCircle", "geoMidpoint": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 39.7086, "longitude": -104.9567 }, "geoRadius": "50000" }, "medicalSpecialty": [ "Psychiatry", "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry", "Adult Psychiatry" ], "employee": [ { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" } ], "availableService": [ { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Psychiatric Evaluation", "description": "Comprehensive initial evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Medication Management", "description": "Expert prescription and monitoring of psychiatric medications" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Child & Adolescent Psychiatry", "description": "Age-appropriate psychiatric care for children and adolescents (ages 10+)" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Anxiety Treatment", "description": "Treatment for generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, and PTSD" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "Depression Treatment", "description": "Comprehensive treatment for major depression and mood disorders" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "ADHD Treatment", "description": "Diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit disorders in all ages" }, { "@type": "MedicalProcedure", "name": "PTSD & Trauma Treatment", "description": "Compassionate, evidence-based care for post-traumatic stress and trauma-related conditions" } ], "openingHoursSpecification": { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens": "09:00", "closes": "17:00" }, "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "reviewCount": "50" }, "sameAs": [] }, { "@type": [ "Physician", "Person" ], "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O.", "alternateName": "Steve Sarche", "description": "Dr. Steve Sarche is a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. He founded Denver Psychiatry in 2004 and has over 20 years of experience in comprehensive mental health care.", "image": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/sarche-2019-headshot-1.jpg", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/", "telephone": "+1-303-393-8808", "jobTitle": "Psychiatrist", "honorificSuffix": "D.O.", "medicalSpecialty": [ "Psychiatry", "Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" ], "worksFor": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" }, "affiliation": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" }, "alumniOf": [ { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University of Colorado" }, { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "Western University of Health Sciences" }, { "@type": "EducationalOrganization", "name": "University of Colorado Health Sciences Center" } ], "hasCredential": [ { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "credentialCategory": "Board Certification", "name": "Board Certified in General Psychiatry" }, { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "credentialCategory": "Fellowship", "name": "Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry" } ], "memberOf": [ { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Colorado Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Society", "roleName": "Past President" } ], "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N", "addressLocality": "Denver", "addressRegion": "CO", "postalCode": "80246", "addressCountry": "US" } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#website", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "publisher": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" }, "inLanguage": "en-US" }, { "@type": "FAQPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#faq", "mainEntity": [ { "@type": "Question", "name": "What happens during the initial psychiatric evaluation at Denver Psychiatry?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "The initial evaluation is a comprehensive session where Dr. Sarche reviews your medical history, discusses current concerns, and works to understand your unique situation. For children and adolescents, this includes integrated meetings with parents. By the end of 1-2 visits, you'll have a clear clinical formulation and personalized treatment plan." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry treat both children and adults?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes, Dr. Steve Sarche is board certified in both general psychiatry and child & adolescent psychiatry. Denver Psychiatry provides comprehensive care for patients ages 10 and older, with age-appropriate treatment approaches." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What mental health conditions does Denver Psychiatry treat?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Denver Psychiatry treats a wide range of mental health conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD, situational stress, behavioral problems, and relational difficulties. Dr. Sarche takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Denver Psychiatry offer non-medication treatments?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Absolutely. While medication can be an important part of treatment, Dr. Sarche also emphasizes non-medication modalities including sleep hygiene strategies, lifestyle modifications, stress reduction techniques, and therapeutic approaches. Treatment is tailored to each individual's needs and preferences." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "What is the difference between a D.O. and an M.D. psychiatrist?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) receive the same training as M.D.s but with additional focus on the interconnection between the body's systems. This holistic perspective informs Dr. Sarche's approach to mental health, considering how physical and emotional well-being influence each other." } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do I schedule an appointment with Denver Psychiatry?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "You can schedule an appointment by calling Denver Psychiatry at (303) 393-8808. The staff will help you find a convenient time and answer any questions about your first visit." } } ] }, { "@type": "Blog", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#blog", "name": "Denver Psychiatry Mental Health Blog", "description": "Expert insights and articles on mental health topics from Dr. Steve Sarche, board-certified psychiatrist in Denver, Colorado.", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/blog", "author": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#physician" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/#organization" } } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "headline": "The ADDD (Attention Deficit Disorder Dilemma)", "description": "There is frequent attention in the media regarding Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Most recently, the New York Times published an article on March...", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Dr. Steve Sarche", "jobTitle": "Board Certified Psychiatrist" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Denver Psychiatry", "url": "https://denverpsychiatry.com" }, "datePublished": "2013-04-05T20:09:31+00:00", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://denverpsychiatry.com/article/the-addd-attention-deficit-disorder-dilemma" } } ] --- [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [](tel:303-393-8808) [ Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. ](#home) [Home](#home) Services ### Conditions We Treat [ ADHD Treatment Child & adult ADHD specialist care ](/adhd)[ Anxiety Treatment Generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety ](/anxiety-treatment)[ Depression Treatment Major depression, bipolar, mood disorders ](/depression-treatment)[ PTSD & Trauma Treatment Trauma recovery focused on full healing ](/ptsd-trauma-treatment) ### Specialty Care [ Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship-trained, ages 10 and up ](/child-adolescent-psychiatry)[ Performance Optimization Precision psychiatry for high performers ](/performance-optimization)[ Medication Management Expert prescription and monitoring ](#services) #### Talk to Dr. Sarche Call to schedule your initial evaluation [Call Now](tel:303-393-8808) About ### About Us [ Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Board-certified psychiatrist ](#about)[ Our Approach Patient-centered, evidence-based care ](#approach)[ Osteopathic Medicine Holistic medical philosophy ](#resources) Resources ### Educational Resources [ General Information Learn about psychiatry and mental health ](#resources)[ Sleep & Wellness Tips for better sleep and health ](#resources)[ Nutrition & Mental Health Diet's impact on mood and cognition ](#resources) ### Patient Info [ Blog Articles Latest insights and updates ](#blog)[ FAQs Common questions answered ](#faq) #### New Patient? Learn what to expect at your first visit [Learn More](#services) Contact ### Get In Touch [ Contact Form Send us a message ](#contact)[ Call Us (303) 393-8808 ](tel:303-393-8808)[ Our Location 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N ](#contact) [Call Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) [Back to Blog](/blog) Medication & Treatment # The ADDD (Attention Deficit Disorder Dilemma) Dr. Steve Sarche Board Certified Psychiatrist • Friday, April 5, 2013 • 5 min read Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fthe-addd-attention-deficit-disorder-dilemma)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fthe-addd-attention-deficit-disorder-dilemma&text=The%20ADDD%20\(Attention%20Deficit%20Disorder%20Dilemma\))[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fthe-addd-attention-deficit-disorder-dilemma&title=The%20ADDD%20\(Attention%20Deficit%20Disorder%20Dilemma\))[]() There is frequent attention in the media regarding Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  Most recently, the New York Times published an article on March 31st titled “A.D.H.D. Seen in 11% of U.S. Children as Diagnoses Rise “.   The article cites a study from the Federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention that noted that ADHD diagnoses have increased by 41% overall in the last decade.   There was a negative feel to the article regarding providers who diagnose and treat ADD/ADHD. The numbers are disturbing, no question.  Much of what the media reports about ADD/ADHD and treatment is negative (see “Ritalin Gone Wrong”, Jan 29th 2012 NY Times).  It is unfortunate that psychiatric problems, including ADD/ADHD continue to have such a stigma in this country.  Many people feel that stimulants, the primary medictations used to treat ADHD and ADD, are being prescribed by providers merely for behavior control or for “easy solutions” to problems. Over the last few years, ADD/ ADHD diagnosis and treatment has sky-rocketed for many reasons.  Common explanations of this include direct-to-consumer advertising from pharmaceutical companies motivating parents to ask for medications.  Also, schools tend to be more crowded, resulting in more stressed students, teachers and parents.  As a result, the need to do something quickly in conjunction with less time and resources for children to be evaluated leads to careless diagnosis.  Additionally, more primary care providers have been forced to make diagnoses and start treatment plans due to lack of child psychiatrists.  The over diagnosis tends to trivialize ADD/ADHD; to make it appear to simply be a “label” given to difficult kids. As an expert who sees kids and adults with ADD/ADHD almost every day, I believe that ADD/ADHD is a very real thing and that people who truly have it potentially suffer in many ways; socially, at home and at work or school.  Depending on the severity, sometimes the whole family suffers from the child’s problems. This being said, I am convinced that ADD/ ADHD is often misdiagnosed and over-treated.  While I do appreciate these articles for bringing attention to the problem, I wish they contained more complete and balanced information regarding ADD/ ADHD and how it is treated by psychiatrists. Psychiatrists are trained that medications are a critical tool in treatment, but also that work on behavioral and environmental supports is just as important. The lowest effective dose of medication is encouraged and very careful monitoring for side effects and response is ingrained during training.  People who take stimulants as part of their treatment are encouraged to stop them periodically to assess how they function without them. Overall, a holistic approach to treating ADD/ADHD is best.  This means attention to the whole body, including medications, guidance on what a person eats, limits on screen time, and encouraging regular exercise are advised.   Parenting strategies should be implemented and available resources should be mobilized.   If you happen to have time in your busy day, please refer to another article I have published on my website titled “Attention!” in May of 2012.  This covers non-medication ways to improve attention. Meanwhile, stimulants are considered the gold standard in the treatment of ADD/ADHD.  They work better than any other treatments.  When used properly, they tend to be safe and well-tolerated and very effective.  There is evidence that untreated ADD/ADHD can lead to long-term problems with interpersonal relationships, careers, and substance use.  Adults who have ADD or ADHD tend to be extremely stressed and prone to anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms. We really shouldn’t be too horrified by the idea of treating ADD or ADHD with stimulants.  The vast majority of people in the United States and around the world are on stimulants any way.  Caffeine is a stimulant and almost everybody uses caffeine.   As reported by “Brain Research Reviews” in 1992, “Caffeine increases energy metabolism throughout the brain but decreases at the same time cerebral blood flow, inducing a relative brain hypoperfusion. Caffeine activates noradrenaline neurons and seems to affect the local release of dopamine. Many of the alerting effects of caffeine may be related to the action of the methylxanthine on serotonin neurons.”   The main mechanism of action of stimulants is to increase Dopamine availability in the brain.  I wonder if the authors of the ADHD articles mentioned were slurping down a hot mug of coffee as they wrote them. So let’s all get focused here.  Let’s stop throwing providers and stimulant medications under the bus.  Yes, we have to be mindful about how we are diagnosing and treating ADD/ADHD.  Yes, there are mistakes being made and it is important to bring attention to this; our overloaded systems of care need help.  For now, it is crucial to be attentive and mindful about what you or your child are diagnosed with and are taking for it.  It is just as important that you are working on ways to improve how you manage your life, and getting coaching on that if needed. Some medical based articles in mainstream media do not report the whole story about the issue and potentially can be harmful.  For example, if a child truly has ADHD that causes impairments academically or socially, he or she may not receive evaluation and treatment because the parents were concerned about information obtained from a news article.  Making medical decisions solely on data from a New York Times article is like expecting to be able to pilot a space ship because you watched all six Star Wars movies. Proper diagnosis and treatment of ADD/ADHD will change the course of a child’s life.  I suppose we would call that a case of “Ritalin Gone Right”. Share: [](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fthe-addd-attention-deficit-disorder-dilemma)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fthe-addd-attention-deficit-disorder-dilemma&text=The%20ADDD%20\(Attention%20Deficit%20Disorder%20Dilemma\))[](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsteve.lovable.app%2Farticle%2Fthe-addd-attention-deficit-disorder-dilemma&title=The%20ADDD%20\(Attention%20Deficit%20Disorder%20Dilemma\))[]() ### Need Help With Your Mental Health? Dr. Steve Sarche provides compassionate psychiatric care for children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area. [Call to Speak With Dr. Sarche](tel:303-393-8808) ### Get new articles from Dr. Sarche We'll only email you when Dr. Sarche publishes a new article. Unsubscribe anytime. Subscribe ## Related Articles [ Medication & Treatment ### Understanding Childhood Anxiety: Signs Parents Should Know Anxiety in children often manifests differently than in adults. Learn to recognize the subtle signs and when to seek professional help. Jan 15, 2024 2 min read ](/article/understanding-childhood-anxiety)[ Medication & Treatment ### Making Noise of ADHD Making Noise for ADHD The human nervous system is a powerful, not fully understood system. It is our internal computer and network that is responsible, among other things, for how we think, feel and b... May 24, 2018 5 min read ](/article/making-noise-of-adhd)[ Medication & Treatment ### How Do Your Genes Fit? Genetic science has progressed rapidly in the last 20 years. I am not an expert in genetics, so I will not try to explain how this has been accomplished or what specifically has been accomplished. Suf... Mar 2, 2015 5 min read ](/article/how-do-your-genes-fit) ### Denver Psychiatry Dr. Steve Sarche, D.O. Providing compassionate, comprehensive psychiatric care to children, adolescents, and adults in the Denver area since 2004. [(303) 393-8808](tel:303-393-8808)[Patient Portal](https://www.valant.io/portal/sarche) #### Quick Links - [Home](#home) - [Services](#services) - [About Dr. Sarche](#about) - [Our Approach](#approach) - [Resources](#resources) - [Blog](#blog) - [Contact Us](#contact) #### Contact - The Galleria 720 S Colorado Blvd, Suite 910N Denver, CO 80246 - [(303) 393-8808](tel:303-393-8808) - Fax: (303) 399-6069 © 2026 Denver Psychiatry. All rights reserved. [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)[HIPAA Notice](/hipaa-notice)[Accessibility](/accessibility) [Made with by HEARD Digital Marketing](https://heardmarketing.io)