Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very common neurodevelopmental disorder that is found in both children and adults. It typically runs in families and can be diagnosed as early as 3 to 4 years of age. This disorder is usually diagnosed in childhood, and often is diagnosed once a child has started school because that is when the symptoms are usually first recognized. Children with ADHD are often termed as “hyper” children, but in reality, they have a neurodevelopmental disorder that leads to impulsive behaviors, difficulty paying attention, and overly active minds. ADHD affects every child differently, but it can be managed by both medication and non-medication options.
Part of childhood development is learning how to focus and pay attention. However, if your child is reaching school age, and is unable to sit still for more than a few seconds at a time, then it may be a sign that their hyperactivity is actually a neurodevelopmental issue. Signs and symptoms of ADHD occur in a spectrum and include:
There are three main types of ADHD, and these include: Inattentive Type, Hyperactive Type and Combined Type. Each type comes with its own set of symptoms and qualities.
To be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must undergo extensive testing to determine the root cause of their symptoms. Many other disorders can mimic ADHD such as anxiety, depression, and some learning disabilities. Your doctor must rule out these conditions to be able to rule in ADHD.
The most common treatment for ADHD is a combination of behavioral therapy and medication. Some patients with mild ADHD may only need behavioral therapy, while more severe cases often benefit from both. Medication can be stimulant based or non-stimulant based. Your physician can discuss all the different medication options with you.
ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder that can lead to poor focus, hyperactivity, and poor school performance. As a child with ADHD grows into adulthood, it may lead to issues with work and difficulties finishing tasks at home and work. However, ADHD is highly treatable using a combination of behavioral therapy and medication.