ADHD in Children - listpsych.com

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD is a commonly diagnosed behavioral disorder in children affecting from 3 – 7% of school aged children. Children with this disorder fall into three categories with primary symptoms as follows:

ADHD – predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type
Children with this disorder are constantly in motion. They find it impossible to sit still and are always fidgeting with their hands and feet or squirming in their chair. They operate at one speed – fast – always running, jumping and climbing inappropriately. These children are impulsive and have difficulty waiting their turn, blurt out answers and intrude on others activities. They may chatter incessantly. Teachers report that children with this disorder seem incapable of staying in their seat, focusing on classroom activities or listening to directions.

ADHD – predominantly inattentive type
Children with this disorder are forgetful and easily distracted. They have difficulty following directions or finishing things like games, homework, chores or activities. They may avoid activities that require sustained attention because it is so difficult for them. These children often make careless mistakes and function below their potential in school settings. Children with inattentive ADHD are unorganized, frequently unable to find things and often daydream or are “lost in thought” at inappropriate times.

ADHD – combined type
A child who shows a combination of symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention is said to have combined type. These children will possess many of the above outlined symptoms, vacillating from inattention to hyperactivity.

All children may exhibit symptoms described above at some time in their lives. The diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is based on frequency and severity of the symptoms. The symptoms must be consistent and create a significant problem for the child in two or more settings of life.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurological disorder and research suggests a chemical imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain. Norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin are chemicals used by the brain to transmit messages. When levels of these chemicals are off, messages are often sent incorrectly. It is believed that these imbalances trigger the behaviors exhibited by children with ADHD.

Since ADHD is believed to have a chemical origin, symptoms are present all the time. This is a disorder that is present from birth and children exhibit symptoms in every area of their lives – at home, at school, and in social settings. Symptoms are present consistently throughout the day. The severity of symptoms may change briefly but there is no predictability to this change. Generally symptoms are present 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. ADHD symptoms do not develop suddenly following a traumatic event. Children are born with ADHD. Mothers often report high levels of activity during pregnancy with ADHD children.

Will my child outgrow this condition?

Children do not outgrow ADHD. Adolescents who have this disorder tend to look more restless than hyperactive. Other symptoms remain much the same as for the younger child: poor organizational skills, inadequate impulse control, low self-esteem and academic underachievement. The danger with teens is in impulsive, risk-taking behaviors. Adolescents with ADHD tend to have more accidents, higher rates of verbal and physical aggression, and more problems with driving vehicles. The sooner you intervene and provide treatment for your child the better the prognosis. Many of the issues with adolescent ADHD children can be avoided with proper treatment.

How can I help my child?

• Get an accurate diagnosis from a clinician with experience in ADHD treatment
• List Psychological Services provides psychiatric assessment and counseling services for children and families affected by ADHD

• Ask your pediatrician or primary care doctor for assistance. Many of these practitioners can assist you in locating necessary treatment.

• Get involved in treatment to help improve parent-child relationships in your family. Specialists at List Psychological Services can help develop a treatment plan which will increases positive behaviors and decrease negative behaviors and help you develop a behavioral reward system to reinforce improvements.

• Work with your child’s teacher and school to set up a school program that will help your child be successful at school.

• Investigate available medications to help children with ADHD manage their disorder. Most psychiatrists recommend medication for school hours only when the need to focus is critical and help teach parents behavioral techniques for use at home.

• Check out self-help sites on the internet. Many reputable sites offer testing to begin the diagnostic process for your child.

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