ADD and ADHD - Understanding The Disorder
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Parent to Parent: Is it Really ADHD?
At some time or other, all children have behavior that parents think is out of control. The inability to control anger, or to sit still, or to pay attention are all "normal" childhood behaviors, and often parents can trace them back to a cause such as excitement, lack of sleep, or hunger. However, there are some children for whom these behaviors are so frequent and intense that they interfere with the child's daily activities. You've likely heard of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and may be wondering if this treatable condition is affecting your child.
What is ADHD?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) defines ADHD as "a condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior" and reports that it is "one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood, [affecting] four to twelve percent of school-aged children." Boys are about three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than are girls.
For parents, there may be a fine line between thinking, "Well, he's a boy" when it comes to behavior that seems out of control, and wondering if your child has an underlying disorder. If this is your concern, trust your own instincts, educate yourself about the specific symptoms of ADHD, and consult your pediatrician for further diagnosis.
Symptoms of ADHD
The APA explains that three symptoms are the hallmark of ADHD: hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. A child may have all three symptoms, or have an "inattentive only" or "hyperactive/impulsive" disorder. The most common form is when all three symptoms are present; the most common form in girls who are diagnosed is inattentive only, which may be overlooked because it does not readily cause problems in the classroom.
A child who exhibits inattention may daydream and have a hard time paying attention, be easily distracted from his work or play, is often forgetful, and often seems not to listen.
Children who display hyperactivity frequently squirm and fidget, talk too much, cannot play quietly, and are in constant motion.
Impulsivity can include an inability to wait for things, a frequent habit of speaking and acting without thinking, and having trouble taking turns.
Does my child have ADHD?
The key factor in all of these behaviors is their frequency. From time to time, all children may show some of these symptoms, and that doesn't mean your child has ADHD in any of its forms.
You should check with your pediatrician to address any concerns or questions you have. He or she may ask questions regarding your child's progress in school, any learning problems, or any concerns you have about your child's behavior. Your answers and your discussion with your pediatrician may lead to further evaluation and treatment.
The AAP recommends that if your child "has shown symptoms of ADHD on a regular basis for more than 6 months, discuss this with your pediatrician."
Further Information
ADHD is a complex disorder, and you should always consult your pediatrician for specific questions you have. You may find additional information on the AAP's website, located at
http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/adhd.cfm.
Since this is a common and treatable, albeit complex, disorder, you will find plenty of information and support available. Knowledge is power, so be sure to educate yourself in order to assure your child gets the best possible treatment available.
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