ADD & ADHD Treatment

Symptoms of ADD in Children

 

ADD symptoms vary considerably from person to person, but one of the more common traits is the inability to concentrate. This symptom is more recognizable in school-aged children than adults because it is evident in the classroom. Conversely, adults may have found ways to compensate. Children with ADD often are:

 

• Inattentive

• Easily distracted

• Disorganized

• Hyperactive

• Impulsive

• Unruly

• Talkative

• Fidgety

 

When Do Symptoms Start?

 

ADHD symptoms typically start in children younger than 12 years old and as young as 3 years old. They may be mild or severe and continue into adulthood. Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. Additionally, boys tend to be more hyperactive than girls when they have ADHD. Parents often worry about their toddlers having ADHD, but the disorder is almost impossible to diagnose in a child that young because many of the symptoms associated with ADHD are common in toddlers.

 

How to Recognize ADHD in Children

 

As previously mentioned, some of the symptoms associated with ADHD are common among children. To a certain extent, most children are inattentive, impulsive or hyperactive at one time or another and some children more than others. Just because a child is still going strong after wearing down the parents doesn’t necessarily mean that child has ADHD. So how does a parent differentiate between common childhood behavior and ADHD? The answer is in the severity of the symptoms.

 

Lack of Attention

 

Children with ADHD often do poorly in school. They have trouble following instructions and frequently make mistakes. They often do not finish their schoolwork, homework assignments or household chores. They find it difficult to stay focused even during an activity they enjoy, such as a game or a television show. For instance, an outfielder on a t-ball team might find nearby insects more interesting than watching where the batter hits the ball. They also frequently lose items and forget to tell their parents about upcoming school activities they should prepare for.

 

Hyperactivity

 

Hyperactivity in children with this disorder goes beyond what is typical. Children with ADHD tend to be very fidgety and squirm in their seat. They may not be able to remain seated for very long without getting up. They also tend to be very talkative and frequently interrupt conversations. They may also constantly shuffle their feet and hands or make noises. While staying busy is often considered to be a good trait, children who are constantly busy may be suffering from ADHD.

 

ADD symptoms in Adults

 

While this article primarily focuses on ADD in children, it should be pointed out that ADD also affects adults. In some cases, a person doesn’t realize that they have ADD until they reach adulthood. While the symptoms for adults and children may be similar, here are some of the behavioral attributes often associated with ADD in adults:

 

Adult Inattention:

 

• Commonly makes mistakes

• Doesn’t appear to listen

• Has trouble following directions

• Fails to complete tasks

• Regularly loses things

 

Adult Impulsivity and Hyperactivity:

 

• Taps hands and feet

• Has difficulty remaining seated

• Appears to be restless

• Doesn’t like to wait

• Offers answers prematurely

 

Associated Conditions

 

While there may or may not be a direct connection, adults and children often have other conditions associated with ADHD. These conditions include insomnia, anxiety, depression and substance abuse. Children may become angry and defiant. Their behavior might also expose them to other health risks as well as the risk of injury. Some adults become overly angry.

 

What Causes ADHD?

 

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. However, the primary cause is generally believed to be genetics. Because of this, ADHD tends to run in families. Other possibilities include difficult pregnancies, premature births, brain injuries, use of alcohol during pregnancy and exposure to heavy metals such as lead.

 

How is ADD Diagnosed?

 

Because symptoms of ADD can appear in a child or adult who does not have the disorder, it can be extremely difficult to determine whether a person has ADD. In most cases, a proper diagnosis will require the services of an experienced psychiatrist who will conduct a physical examination and perform a comprehensive mental evaluation.

 

The doctor will ask about symptoms, how long those symptoms has persisted and how they started. For children, the doctor will compare the behavior of the child to other children and look for symptoms that occur on a regular basis. To be diagnosed with ADD, a person’s symptoms must be severe and frequent enough to be causing problems at home, school or work.

 

ADD Treatment

 

There are different options for treating ADD depending on a child’s age and behavior plus family dynamics. The first line of treatment recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is to train the parents on how best to deal with their child’s behavior. This is especially true if the child is younger than six years old. Treatment for adults with ADD may include medications and therapy.

 

Local Orlando Treatment for ADHD

 

If you or your child have symptoms of ADHD, the good news is that the disorder is treatable by local Orlando psychiatrists. The physicians and physician assistants are certified and licensed to treat ADHD as well as other developmental-behavioral problems both in adults and children.

 

The doctors will evaluate your or your child’s condition, eliminate other health issues that could be causing the behaviors exhibited and recommend an ADHD treatment plan. To find out more, please contact us today, and we will be more than happy to schedule an appointment for you.