My nine year old had blood work done recently.
His TSH level was in normal limits, but the T4 were highly elevated. We were sent to a ped. endocrinologist by or PCP.
Was not impressed with endocrinologist answers. She was more concerned that he was short and underweight for his age and suggested he drink more whole milk and eat a bedtime snack..... She ordered more bloodwork, as she did not beleive the results that were given were my son's. My son has alot of the symtoms of hyperthyroid which also are symptoms of ADHD. (hyper, rapid heart rate, unable to sleep, slow weight gain, shakiness, nervousness, can not be still, etc.)
I am very concerned about this and would like to know if anyone else out there has had this problem with their child?
ANy information would be greatly appreciated.....

I think I answered a post similiar to this recently. But I will answer this one as well.

http://www.healthboards.com/boards/showthread.php?t=485553

This is my thread linking misdiagnosis of ADD/ADHD in place of a sleep disorder in children. It is mainly geared to sleep apnea, but there are 80 sleep disorders recognized out there and if sleep deprivation results they can have many of the same symptoms.

Sleep deprivation is serious.. sleep disorders are serious and often over looked. Please check out this post incase it can help you and your child.

Sleep deprivation can affect the metabolic system severely especially if it has been chronic and ongoing for a long time. How? Well I will be as technical as I can.
The 2 major pathways by which sleep affects the release of hormones are the hypothalamic-pituitary axes and the autonomous nervous system. This means besides supressing the growth hormones it can also effect the thyriod.. in particular resulting in an elevation of the TSH.

There are many recent studies out there that are showing that sleep loss, a highly prevalent — and often strongly encouraged — condition in society today could be a risk factor for major chronic diseases, including obesity, heart, and diabetes. Sleep is important for both body and brain. Look into the effects of sleep deprivation on the metabolic system and you will be suprised at the information available and known.

I have severe sleep apnea as does my 4.5 year old.. he is recieving treatment and healthy.. I was not diagnosed until 31 and have hyperthyriodism and many other factors that may have been avoidable if caught earlier.

It never hurts to check into it and stay informed.

Sincerely,
MG