ADHD
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD In Children
It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends. A child witth ADHD might:
- Daydream a lot
- Talk to much
- Forget or lose things a lot
Types of ADHD
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is hard for the person to have conversations or finish certain tasks. Hard to pay attention to details. Easily distracted.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework) Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions.
- Combined Presentation: Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.
Facts About ADHD
- ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopment disorders of childhood.
- It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be).
- Also can be overly active.
- ADHD mainly affects children.
- Affects mostly males.
- ADHD cannot be cured.
- It is a cronic disease that can last years or a lifetime.
- Many children with ADHD are highly intelligent.
- Children under the age of 6 experience a diagnosis of severe ADHD
- Treatments for ADHD include medication and talk therapy.
- An estimated 6.4 million American children ages 4-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.
- 11 percent of American children ages 4-17 have the attention disorder.
- Children that live in english speaking households are at 4 times the risk of gettings the disorder.
- There is no real cause for ADHD but some risk factors are genes, low birth weight, and brain injuries.
- While there is no cure for ADHD, currently available treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve functioning. Treatments include medication, psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments.
- The most common type of medication used for treating ADHD is called a “stimulant.” Although it may seem unusual to treat ADHD with a medication that is considered a stimulant, it works because it increases the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine, which play essential roles in thinking and attention.
- The average age for ADHD diagnosis is age 7.
- Nearly 17 million americans are diagnosed with ADHD.
Medication / Treatment
For children 6 years of age and older, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends both behavior therapy and medication as good options, preferably both together. For preschool-aged children (4–5 years of age) with ADHD, behavior therapy is recommended as the first line of treatment, before medication is tried.