ADHD-Signs, Treatments, Meds Part 2

There are many children who are undiagnosed and many children who are too often labeled incorrectly with ADHD.

Signs

These signs must be present in more than one setting.

• Six attention symptoms or 6 hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms and they must be present before age 7.
• The symptoms must not be caused by another problem and must be present for 6 months and seen in two or more settings, for example, school and home.
• These symptoms need to be severe enough to cause difficulties in many settings, including relationships with peers.

An evaluation by a doctor may include

• Questionnaires for parent and teacher, such as Burks or Connors
• IQ testing and psychological testing of family and child
• A complete exam of mental, nutritional, physical, developmental and psychosocial

Treatment
It is important to provide a partnership between the health care provider, parents, or caregivers, and the child.

Guide therapy with specific, appropriate target goals

• Behavior therapy
• Medication
• Follow up regularly with doctor
• Make sure the child does have ADHD, make sure there is no other similar symptoms, and always follow the treatment plan if treatment is not working. 

Behavioral treatments and medication seems to work best for children with ADHD. The most common drug used in ADHD are Psychostimulants or stimulants. Some stimulants commonly used are Adderall, Focalin, Dexedrine, Dextrostat, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate and Daytrana.

Children may have stressful feelings related to ADHD and talk therapy may help both the child and family understand and gain control. To help guide a child's behavior parents should use a reward system and punishment consequences. The child's teacher is another important resource, make sure you communicate regularly with the child's teacher. Be consistent in your daily routines, this also means limiting distractions in the child's environment. Enough sleep, healthy diet, consistent rules and reward system are also more helpful treatment tips.

Source: NCBI

ADHD-Symptoms Part 1

ADHD means Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD can be a combination of inattentiveness, over activity, or impulsivity and in order to be diagnosed as ADHD these symptoms may be out of the normal range for a child's age and development.

Out of all the behavioral disorders in childhood, ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed. Three to Five percent of school aged children, mostly in boys are affected. No one really knows what causes it, we just know it may run in families. As the brain is developing, the ADHD is set early in childhood. Many other disorders can be confused with or appear to be ADHD, for example, depression, lack of sleep, learning disabilities, tic disorders, or other behavior problems, therefore, if you suspect that your child has ADHD your child should be examined by a doctor to rule out other conditions or reasons for the behavior. Children with ADHD may also have psychiatric problems, such as depression or bipolar disorder. 

ADHD symptoms 

 Inattentiveness 

• Does not give close attention to details and can make mistakes in school, fails to finish school work (because it requires mental effort), or duties in the workplace
• Difficulty paying attention during tasks or play
• When spoken to, does not listen
• Organizing tasks and activities are difficult at times
• Loses tools needed for tasks or activities, such as toys, books, pencils
• Forgets daily activities

Hyperactivity

• Doesn't sit still in seat
• May get up from his seat
• May run around the room or climbs in inappropriate places
• Can't play quietly
• The child may talk excessively, is always on the go

Impulsivity

• May blurt out talking 
• Can't wait his/her turn
• The child may interrupt or intrude

Source