ADHD in Children

What Is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Millions of American children and adults have ADHD, a neurobiological disorder that can cause impulsive behavior, hyperactivity and makes it difficult to sustain attention. As a result, children with ADHD may struggle with low self-esteem, poor school performance, and difficulty making friends. While there is no cure for ADHD, treatment can make a tremendous difference in helping manage symptoms.

How Can I Tell if My Child Has ADHD?

First, it’s important to realize that all healthy children can be hyperactive or impulsive at one time or another. As they grow older, they may still have difficulty focusing on topics they don’t find interesting. There is a significant difference between children who have naturally higher energy levels and those with ADHD.

However, if your child is having difficulty with school work, consistent problems interacting with friends and family, there is a possibility that he or she has ADHD.

Typically, ADHD symptoms are noticeable as early as age 3, and they generally start before age 12. If left untreated, these symptoms may continue into adulthood. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe.

Signs and symptoms of ADHD - Primarily Inattentive Type:

A constant patterns of inattention
Failure to pay close attention in school
Making careless mistakes in schoolwork
Difficulty following through on instructions
Consistently unable to finish schoolwork or chores
Trouble organizing activities and tasks
Frequently losing items such as toys, pencils and schoolwork
Easily distracted

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD - Combined Type or Primarily Hyperactive Type also include:

Constantly fidget by tapping hands, feet or squirming in their seats
Must be in constant motion
Frequently run around or climb when it’s inappropriate
Interrupt
Talk too much
Have difficulty playing quietly

What Type of Treatment is Available for Children with ADHD?

Every child is different, and there is no one solution that will be effective for all patients. A multidisciplinary approach to treatment is recommended and generally consists of:

Traditional/alternative stimulant or non-stimulant treatments.
Psychoeducation, including parent training, behavior training and teaching children tools to support executive functioning, schoolwork and relationships.
Therapy, to treat the self-esteem, depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges that frequently accompany ADHD.