In today's modern society of more specialist studies and increased knowledge, the list of diseases and illnesses of polysyllabic and hyphenated names seemly grow each year. One is sometimes left to wonder whether more knowledge has allowed the experts to identify more precisely the illnesses that afflict us or whether they are 'looking out' for justification for their areas of study.

In the past few weeks, as depicted in local and foreign media, borderline personality disorder (BPD) is the new buzz. It is among the latest labels to be affixed to dysfunctional behaviours on display in the Jamaican society.

Of particular concern to many people, however, is the apparent ease with which professionals label children as having this or that disorder and are quick to refer them to specialists for therapy or a battery of tests for things which an older generation would not consider unusual in their growing up years.

Showed signs of ADHD

An overseas friend shared recently the fact that her teenage son would soon be graduating from high school and had indicated a desire to study music and computers at university. Fact is, he is a good student getting good grades and is an excellent musician who plays in the orchestra for his school. She has in her possession however, a letter sent to the family a few years ago by one of his teachers, who had determined that he was showing signs of Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and had recommended therapy. The parents ignored the teacher and worked with their boy as they had always done, and he has continued to thrive.

Many anecdotal stories are shared of medical personnel recommending surgery - including C-sections for pregnant women, sometimes to the consternation of more experienced medics. The fear that many people have is that in the case of growing children, the very acts of labelling and following the recommended 'treatment' may contribute to children developing an inferiority complex that reinforces aspects of the earlier 'diagnosis'.

In another case, a baby is born weighing just over eight pounds. At his earliest visit to the doctor for a check up, he is assessed as being healthy and contented. By his fourth month, however, his weight is deemed above average and this pattern continues for the next eight months. The measurements of his head circumference, height and weight are 'off the charts' so special follow up checks are necessary, the doctors suggest.

Careful monitoring

Clinical tests show no signs of 'water on the brain' or sunset eyes, but he is referred to a neurologist. After doing his tests, the neurologist expresses annoyance that the child was sent over, prior to more careful monitoring.

At 20 months, the child is taken to a doctor for a cut sustained in a fall while running around his house. At the doctor's office, he is agitated and distracted - one would imagine understandably so - as they attempt to apply a bandage to his cut. The doctor thinks, however, that he should be more alert and suggests "he may have to be taken to a neurologist".

So what are parents to do when faced with expert advice? They don't want to be irresponsible, but the psychological and financial stress can take a toll.

As far as the parents are concerned, the child is healthy, alert and intelligent. He is big, yes; but so are most people in the family.

Intelligent child

He is intelligent. He regularly manipulates remote controls and other gadgets, turns on the home computer, climbs into a chair, pulls out the keyboard and attempts to click on the mouse. Of course, he can't find specific websites - genius has not kicked in yet! His vocabulary is building at a steady pace; and his movements are co-ordinated according to the age-development charts.

Second and third opinions are sometimes recommended, but who can afford this on a regular basis?

No one wants to be careless, but perhaps our medical and education experts need to pull back sometimes before jumping to place labels based on quick diagnoses that might prove to be wrong .

Feedback may be sent to colin.steer@gleanerjm.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.