Almost all children have episodes of difficult behavior or periods of inattention; however, for some children, these behaviors are more than an occasional problem. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have behavior problems so frequent and severe that they interfere with their ability to live normal lives.
They often have trouble getting along with family and other children, and those who have trouble paying attention usually have trouble learning. Left untreated, severe forms of ADHD can lead to serious, lifelong problems.
ADHD includes three groups of symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Children with Inattentive Only form, the most common among girls with ADHD, are not overly active and, because they are not disruptive, their symptoms may not be noticed.
Hyperactive/Impulsive type individuals show these behaviors but can pay attention, and these cases are the least common. Combined Inattentive/Hyperactive/Impulsive is the most common type of ADHD.
If your child has shown symptoms of ADHD on a regular basis for more than six months, discuss this with your pediatrician.
It is very important to pay close attention to safety, as a child with ADHD may not be aware of the dangers and can get hurt easily.
Remember, it is normal for all children to show some of these symptoms from time to time when reacting to stress or boredom or going through a difficult stage.
A pediatrician diagnoses ADHD using standard guidelines. There is no single test, and the process requires gathering information from multiple sources. You, your child, your child’s school and other caregivers should be involved.
Your child may be referred to a specialist or mental health clinician if there are concerns in the areas of developmental disorder such as speech problems; a learning disability, trouble seeing and/or hearing, history of abuse or exposure to violence, major anxiety or depression, severe aggression, or possible seizure or sleep disorders. Most children with ADHD have at least one coexisting condition.
ADHD frequently runs in families. Research to date has shown that ADHD is a biological disorder, and a lower level of activity in the parts of the brain that control attention and activity level may be associated. Being born premature increases the risk of developing ADHD, as does prenatal exposure to such things as nicotine.
There is little evidence that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar or food additives or by having allergies.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the outlook for most children who receive treatment for ADHD is very encouraging.
Treatment for ADHD uses the same principles as other chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes, and long-term management is needed because these conditions are not cured.
Teamwork among doctors, parents, teachers, caregivers, other health care professionals and the child is essential.
Medication and behavior therapy, including parent training as well as counseling, may be utilized.
For most children, stimulant medications are a safe and effective way to relieve ADHD symptoms.
As glasses help people focus their eyes to see, these medications help children with ADHD focus their thoughts better and ignore distractions, which make them more able to pay attention and control their behavior.
Studies show that about 80 percent of children with ADHD who are treated with stimulants improve significantly once the right medication and dose are determined.
Dr. Abdul Cader is clinical director of Martha’s Place Children’s Assessment Center for children with behavior concerns and/or prenatal exposures and medical director for San Luis Obispo County Suspected Abuse Response Team. She is a co-founder of the UMMA Clinic in Los Angeles.
For further information about ADHD, check with your pediatrician for resources in your community or with one of these organizations:
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: www.chadd.org
National Attention Deficit Disorder Association: www.add.org
National Institute of Mental Health: www.nimh.nih.gov
