Doctors say too many parents are asking the question, "Does my child have attention deficit disorder?"

Sometimes there's no simple answer.

About two million children in the United States have ADD.

It's more common in boys.

Many times these kids are put on medication, but doctors are saying it takes more than that to see results. In some cases, medication may not be necessary.

With four boys between twelve and six, Scott Cysewski and his wife Kristi are used to having their hands full, especially with their youngest, Luke.

Kristi says, “He didn't want to wait in line with me for communion, so he ran off and was sticking his nose in the flames of the candles.”

That was the day Kristi started thinking about all her boys similar, yet different behaviors.

A psychological evaluation showed Luke has ADHD and his brother, nine year-old Christopher who couldn't focus well, has ADD.

That's when his doctor, Dr. Jesse Hsieh gave her advice.

Hsieh says, “It's a matter of sorting out who needs treatment and who doesn't.”

Hsieh says first ask yourself if symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity are consistent? Do they happen at home and at school?

All along, Kristi thought Luke and Christopher had learning disabilities.

Kristi says, “Once he told me he didn't have the reading disability, it clicked in my head, well maybe part of Christopher's problem is that he can't focus. He doesn't have the hyperactivity part of it, but maybe he just can't focus.”

We asked Christopher, “Did you not like school before?” He said, “Yes, I didn't like it before.”
“Was it hard to pay attention and follow instructions?” He said, “Yeah.”

That’s not the case anymore.

Christopher says, “When I didn't have the patch on it's like a mystery to me, but when I have it on it's like a whole puzzle put together.”

Scott says, “It's not just a wonder drug or a wonder pill.”

Dr. Hsieh says it's a small piece of the puzzle. It involves constant communication between the child, the parents, teachers, and doctors.”

He says that's why he's seeing more cases with middle school aged children.

Hsieh says, “When kids are older they can explain their symptoms better and you can follow up with them better.”

He feels the Cysewski's are doing a fantastic job with helping their younger boys and their oldest.

Twelve year-old, Peter, displayed several symptoms, but they chose an herbal supplement.

Kristi says, “I think they're helping him.”

Hsieh believes this was a good move in Peter's case. He says, “If you focus on just taking a drug than that's wrong.”

Doctors say some parents are doing just that. A New Orleans psychiatrist warns of the side effects with ADD medications including tremors, headaches, insomnia, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, weight loss and more.”

Kristi has noticed her boys not wanting to eat even after burning of all these calories playing ball but, overall they are doing great.

Scott says, “This is a competitive environment. Whether it's in kindergarten or in college, you give them the best opportunity to be successful. Again, this is not a panacea, you have to monitor it.”

Dr. Hsieh says if you notice any signs, early detection is best. Whether or not kids are medicated, finding ways to cope and get into a routine takes time.