ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a developmental condition with symptoms that begin in early childhood. It can cause a range of behavioral problems and mood and emotion regulation difficulties that disrupt a child’s school and home life and affect their ability to achieve their potential.

While medical professionals, teachers, and many parents now know far more about ADHD, some children still fail to get the help they need. Consequently, they struggle to sustain relationships, frequently conflict with adults, and may repeatedly get into trouble for their behavior.

The Stanton Family Clinic team offers specialized diagnosis and care to children and adolescents affected by ADHD.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms fall into two categories. ADHD with inattentive symptoms causes children to display behaviors such as:

• Not listening when spoken to
• Losing themselves in their thoughts
• Ignoring details
• Making careless mistakes
• Struggling with complex projects
• Not following instructions
• Frequently losing their belongings
• Lacking organizational skills
• Avoiding activities requiring focus, like reading
• Becoming easily distracted
• Forgetting about routine tasks and activities

Children with hyperactive and impulsive ADHD symptoms have problems sitting still and are continually active. They may be restless, wriggling in their chair, tapping their feet, and walking about when they should be seated.

Other symptoms of hyperactive/impulsive ADHD include running, climbing, and being noisy at inappropriate times, and an inability to be quiet. Children may answer too quickly or when it’s not their turn and talk over their classmates.

Children may have primarily inattentive ADHD, primarily hyperactive/impulsive ADHD, or a mix of the two (combined ADHD). As they become adolescents, their behavior may become increasingly risky and involve dangerous or illegal activities.

How is ADHD treated?

The Stanton Family Clinic team successfully combines medications with behavioral therapy to treat children with ADHD. They also help parents to understand and support their children.

Stimulant medications can help by boosting the levels of brain chemicals involved in regulating attention and thought processes. Non-stimulant drugs may be better for some children, depending on how they respond to treatment.

Therapy focuses on helping children to manage their daily lives. Depending on your child’s needs, their therapist might show them how to get better at the organization, improve their social and relationship-building skills, and manage emotional issues like anger and stress.

If your child shows signs of ADHD, call Montgomery Family & Urgent Care today or schedule an appointment using the online form.