ADHD

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. Neurodevelopmental means having to do with the way the brain grows and develops. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be) or be overly active.

ADHD Types and Symptoms

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.
• 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). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. 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. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.
• Combined Presentation: Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.

If you are concerned about whether a child might have ADHD, the first step is to talk with a health care provider to find out if the symptoms fit an ADHD diagnosis. This can be made by a mental health professional or by a primary care provider, like a pediatrician.

Treatment types

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, parents often have concerns about which treatment is right for their child. ADHD can often be managed with the right treatment. There are many treatment options. What works best can depend on the person, their family and their environment.

To find the best options for children, it is recommended that parents work closely with others involved in their child's life. This can include teachers, coaches, and other family members.

• Medications: Medication can help children manage their ADHD symptoms in their everyday life. It can help them control the behaviors that cause difficulties with family, friends and at school. Medications include stimulants and non-stimulants.
• Behavior Therapy: The goals of behavior therapy are to learn or strengthen positive behaviors and eliminate unwanted or problem behaviors. Behavior therapy for ADHD can include therapy with children, parent training and classroom interventions.

The following are tips that may help with your child's behavior:

• Create a routine: For tasks that happen every day, try to follow the same schedule every day, from wake-up time to bedtime.
• Get organized: Encourage your child to put schoolbags, clothing and toys in the same place every day.
• Manage distractions: Turn off the TV and social media, limit noise and provide a clean workspace when your child is doing homework. Some children with ADHD learn well if they are moving or listening to background music. Watch your child and see what works.
• Limit choices: Offer choices with only a few options. For example, have them choose between this outfit or that one, this meal or that one or this toy or that one.
• Be clear and specific when you talk with your child: Let your child know you are listening by describing what you heard them say. Use clear, brief directions when they need to do something.
• Help your child plan: Break down hard tasks into simpler, shorter steps. For long tasks, starting early and taking breaks may help limit stress.
• Use goals and praise or other rewards: Use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviors. Let your child know they have done well by telling them or rewarding their efforts in other ways. Be sure the goals are realistic—small steps are important.
• Discipline effectively: Instead of scolding, yelling, or spanking, use effective directions, time-outs, or removal of privileges as consequences for inappropriate behavior.
• Create positive opportunities: Children with ADHD may find certain situations stressful. Finding out and encouraging what your child does well—whether it's school, sports, art, music, or play—can help create positive experiences.
• Provide a healthy lifestyle: Nutritious food, lots of physical activity, and sufficient sleep are important; they can help keep ADHD symptoms from getting worse.

ADHD in Adults

ADHD lasts into adulthood for at least one-third of children with ADHD. Treatments for adults can include medication, psychotherapy, education, training or a combination of treatments. For more information about diagnosis and treatment throughout the lifespan, please visit the websites of the NRC on ADHD and the National Institutes of Mental Health.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/about/index.html