A doctor can diagnose ADHD with the help of standard guidelines. The diagnosis of ADHD involves the gathering of information from several sources, including school, caregivers, and parents. The doctor will consider how a child’s behavior compares with that of other children the same age.

Symptoms of Childhood ADHD

Children with ADHD show signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity in specific ways. These children:

• Are in constant motion.
• Squirm and fidget.
• Do not seem to listen.
• Have difficulty playing quietly.
• Often talk excessively.
• Interrupt or intrude on others.
• Are easily distracted.
• Do not finish tasks.

Some behaviors can appear to be ADHD-related, but are not. Some causes of ADHD-like behavior are:

• A sudden life change (such as divorce, a death in the family, or moving).
• Undetected seizures.
• Medical disorders affecting brain function.
• Anxiety.
• Depression.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

Your child’s primary care doctor can determine whether your child has ADHD using standard guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. These diagnosis guidelines are for children 6 to 12 years of age.

Know that it is very difficult to diagnose ADHD in children younger than 5 years of age. That’s because many preschool children have some ADHD symptoms in various situations. In addition, children change very rapidly during the preschool years. It is also difficult to diagnose ADHD once a child becomes a teenager.

The process of diagnosing ADHD requires several steps and involves gathering a lot of information from multiple sources. You, your child, your child’s school, and other caregivers should be involved in assessing your child’s behavior.

A physician can conduct a medical history to help put a child’s behavior in context. They will ask what symptoms a child is showing, how long the symptoms have occurred, and how the behavior affects a child and his/her family.

Types of ADHD in Children

Doctors may classify symptoms as the following types of ADHD:

• Combined Type (Inattentive/Hyperactive/Impulsive). Children with this type of ADHD show all three symptoms. This is the most common form of ADHD.
• Hyperactive/Impulsive Type. Children show both hyperactive and impulsive behavior, but are able to pay attention.
• Inattentive Type. Formerly known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), these children are not overly active. They do not disrupt the classroom or other activities, so their symptoms might not be noticed.

ADHD Treatment Overview

Education of the child and family is an essential component of any treatment plan, which may encompass special education programs, psychological intervention, and drug treatment. Be sure to discuss all options with your child’s health care provider to find the best treatment for him or her.

Studies show that long-term treatment with a combination of medications and behavioral therapy is far superior to just medication treatment, or no specific treatments in managing hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Those kids treated with both ADHD drugs and therapy also had better social skills.

Drugs for Childhood ADHD

A class of drugs called psychostimulants or stimulants for short is a highly effective treatment for childhood ADHD. These medicines, including Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderall XR, help children to focus their thoughts and ignore distractions. Stimulant medications are effective in 70% to 80% of patients.

Another treatment used to treat ADHD in kids is the nonstimulant medication, Strattera. More studies will need to be done to contrast Strattera with the medications already available, but the evidence to date indicates that over 70% of children with ADHD given Strattera have significant improvement in their symptoms.

ADHD medicines are available in short-acting (immediate-release), intermediate-acting, and long-acting forms. It may take some time for a physician to find the best medication, dosage, and schedule for an individual with ADHD. ADHD drugs sometimes have side effects, but these tend to happen early in treatment. Usually, side effects are mild and short-lived.

Behavioral Treatments for Children With ADHD

Behavioral treatment for children with ADHD involves adjusting the environment to promote more successful social interactions. Such adjustments include creating more structure, encouraging routines, and clearly stating expectations of the child with ADHD.

Other forms of ADHD treatment that may benefit the child include:

• Social skills training. This can help a child with ADHD learn behaviors that will help them develop and maintain social relationships.
• Support groups and parenting skills training. Education and support for the parents can be an integral part of treating ADHD in children.

What Treatment Is Best for My Child?

For children with ADHD, no single treatment is the answer for every child. A child may have undesirable side effects to a medication, making a particular treatment unacceptable. If a child with ADHD also has anxiety or depression, a treatment combining medication and behavioral therapy might be best. Each child’s needs and personal history must be carefully considered. It is important to work with a physician to find the best solution for your child.

The ADHD Coach?

Coaching is a relatively new field in the treatment of ADHD in children. ADHD coaches are meant to help children achieve better results in different areas of their lives.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that 3% to 5% of children have ADHD. Some experts, though, says ADHD may occurs in 8% to 10% of school age children. Experts also question whether kids really outgrow ADHD. What that means is that this disorder may be more common in adults than previously thought.

Children with ADHD generally have problems paying attention or concentrating. They can’t seem to follow directions and are easily bored or frustrated with tasks. They also tend to move constantly and are impulsive, not stopping to think before they act. These behaviors are generally common in children. But they occur more often than usual and are more severe in a child with ADHD.

The behaviors that are common with ADHD interfere with a child’s ability to function at school and at home.

Adults with ADHD may have difficulty with time management, organizational skills, goal setting, and employment. They may also have problems with relationships, self-esteem, and addictions.

What are ADHD symptoms in children?

Symptoms of ADHD in children are generally grouped into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

Inattention - A child with ADHD:

• is easily distracted
• does not follow directions or finish tasks
• does not appear to be listening when someone is speaking
• does not pay attention and makes careless mistakes
• is forgetful about daily activities
• has problems organizing daily tasks
• avoids or dislikes activities that require sitting still or a sustained effort
• often loses things, including personal items
• has a tendency to daydream

Hyperactivity - A child with ADHD:

• often squirms, fidgets, or bounces when sitting
• does not stay seated as expected
• has difficulty playing quietly
• is always moving, such as running or climbing on things (In teens and adults, this is more commonly described as a sense of restlessness)
• talks excessively

Impulsivity - A child with ADHD:

• has difficulty waiting for his or her turn
• blurts out answers before the question has been completed
• often interrupts others

What are ADHD symptoms in adults?

Adult ADHD symptoms may be different than the symptoms in children. In addition, they may stem directly from ADHD or may be the result of behavioral issues. Symptoms include:

• chronic lateness and forgetfulness
• anxiety
• low self-esteem
• employment problems
• difficulty controlling anger
• impulsiveness
• substance abuse or addiction
• poor organization skills
• procrastination
• low frustration tolerance
• chronic boredom
• difficulty concentrating when reading
• mood swings
• depression
• relationship problems

What causes ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD is not known, although researchers continue to study the brain for clues. They suspect that there are several factors that may contribute to the condition, including:

• Heredity: The fact that ADHD tends to run in families suggests that children may inherit a tendency to develop ADHD from their parents.
• Chemical imbalance: Experts believe an imbalance of brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that transmit nerve impulses may be a factor in the development of ADHD symptoms.
• Brain changes: Areas of the brain that control attention are less active in children with ADHD than in children without ADHD.
• Head injury:There are reports of children with head injuries, particularly with concussions, developing behavioral problems that may mimic ADHD.

What causes ADHD? continued…

The following are other factors that may contribute to the development of ADHD or that may trigger symptoms:

• Poor nutrition, infections, and substance abuse (including cigarette and alcohol use) during pregnancy may be contributing factors. That’s because they can affect the development of the baby’s brain.
• Exposure to toxins, such as lead or PCBs, in early childhood can also affect brain development.
• Injury to the brain or a brain disorder may play a part in the development of ADHD.

Eating too much sugar does not cause a child to develop ADHD. A proper diet is essential, though, for normal development in children. ADHD is also not caused by watching too much TV, a poor home life, poor schools, or food allergies.

How common is ADHD?

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder of children and is more common in boys than in girls. It most often is discovered during the early school years, when a child begins to have problems paying attention. ADHD can continue into the teen years and on into adulthood.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

If symptoms are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by taking a complete medical history and doing a physical examination. There are no laboratory tests for ADHD. The doctor, though, may use various tests — such as X-rays and blood tests — to determine if there is a physical disorder or other problem causing the symptoms.

Certain mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety disorders, have some symptoms that are similar to those of ADHD. For that reason, a complete psychiatric assessment is needed to accurately diagnosis ADHD.

If no physical disorder is found, the child may be referred to a specialist in childhood development disorders. That may be a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychologist, a pediatric neurologist, a developmental pediatrician, or another health professional. It should be someone specially trained to diagnose and treat ADHD. The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on the child’s symptoms and behavior. The doctor may ask for input from the child’s parents, teachers, and other adults who are familiar with the child’s symptoms.

Researchers all agree that ADHD is not an adult-onset disorder. To be ADHD, it must be verified as being present from childhood. Adults who are thought to have ADHD will be asked questions about their childhood. In particular, they will be asked about such things as:

• behavior
• development
• relationships
• achievement
• grades

The answers will help the doctor make an accurate ADHD diagnosis.

What is the treatment for ADHD?

ADHD cannot be cured. But many of the symptoms that interfere with functioning and cause distress can be controlled. Treatment for ADHD often includes a combination of medication and various psychosocial therapies.

What is the treatment for ADHD? continued…

Medication: Certain medications called stimulants may be used to help control hyperactivity and impulsive behavior and increase attention span. Commonly used stimulants include:

• Concerta
• Dexedrine
• Focalin
• Metadate
• Methylin
• Ritalin
• Vyvanse

Some children with ADHD respond to antidepressant medications such as Wellbutrin.

Sometime stimulant drugs have worrisome side effects for children. In that case, non stimulant medications such as Strattera may be prescribed for children with ADHD who are older than 6. Strattera is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

Psychosocial therapies: These are treatment approaches that focus on the behavioral, psychological, social, and work/school problems associated with the illness. Psychosocial therapies that may be used for ADHD include:

• Special education: Special education is a type of education that is structured to meet a child’s unique educational needs. Children with ADHD generally benefit most from a highly structured environment and use of routines.
• Behavior modification: Behavior modification includes strategies for supporting good behavior and decreasing a child’s problem behavior.
• Psychotherapy (counseling): Psychotherapy can help a child or adult with ADHD learn better ways to handle their emotions and frustration. It can also help improve their self-esteem. Counseling may help family members better understand the child or adult with ADHD.
• Social skills training: Social skills training can help a child learn new behaviors, such as taking turns and sharing. This will enable the child to better function in social situations.
• Support groups: Support groups are generally made up of people with similar problems and needs. This can help with acceptance and support. Groups also can provide a forum for learning more about a disorder and the latest approaches to treatment. These groups are helpful for adults with ADHD or parents of children with ADHD.

What is the outlook for children and adults with ADHD?

It is very important for children and adults with symptoms of ADHD to seek professional care. Without treatment, ADHD can interfere with a child’s performance in school as well as the child’s ability to make and keep friends. This can have a negative impact on the child’s self-esteem.

In addition, children with ADHD are at risk for developing conduct disorder, depression, or an anxiety disorder. They are also more likely to have a learning disorder. Teens with ADHD are at greater risk for car accidents, early pregnancy, and tobacco and alcohol use. Adults with ADHD have difficulty with time management, employment, and relationships.

But, when treated, most people with ADHD – between 70% and 80% – experience at least some relief of symptoms. Many of the symptoms of ADHD diminish by early adulthood. However, up to 50% of people with ADHD as children continue to have problems as adults.

Is there a way to prevent ADHD?

ADHD cannot be prevented or cured. However, early identification and diagnosis, as well as a carefully designed treatment and education plan, can help a child or adult with ADHD adjust to the disorder. Many people with ADHD learn to focus their attention, develop their personal strengths, minimize disruptive behavior, and become productive and successful.