Symptoms and treatment of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children
Description
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, also called ADHD, is a long-term condition that affects millions of children. Often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a mix of ongoing problems. These can include having a difficult time paying attention, being hyperactive and be impulsive.
Children with ADHD may also have a low self-esteem and troubled relationships, and to do poorly in school. Symptoms sometimes lessen with age. Some people never completely outgrow their ADHD symptoms, but they can learn strategies to be successful.
While the treatment does not cure ADHD, it can help a great deal with symptoms. In addition to providing education about ADHD, your treatment may include medications and behavioral therapies. The early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in the results.
Symptoms
The main features of ADHD include not paying attention, and be impulsive and hyperactive. ADHD symptoms usually begin before the age of 12 years. In some children, it can be seen as early as 3 years of age. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. The symptoms need to be seen in two or more settings, such as at home and at school. The symptoms which cause problems with the development and daily life and can continue into adulthood.
ADHD occurs more often in boys than in girls. The behaviors can be different in boys and girls. For example, children may be more hyperactive and girls tend to silence not paying attention.
There are three types of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive. In this type, most of the symptoms of the decline in virtue of the lack of attention. This means you have trouble focusing and staying on task. It also includes problems to get and stay organized.
- Predominantly hyperactive and impulsive. In this type, most of the symptoms involve being hyperactive and impulsive. Hyperactive means to be too active and have a lot of energy. You can include disruptive behavior. Being impulsive means to act without thinking in the future about the results or effects of the conduct.
- Combined. This type is a mixture of symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity / impulsivity symptoms. The person meets the criteria for both inattentive and predominantly hyperactive and impulsive types of ADHD.
The symptoms of lack of attention
A child who shows a pattern of lack of attention can often:
- Do not pay attention to details or make careless mistakes in school work.
- Have trouble staying focused on tasks or play activities.
- Don't seem to listen, even when spoken to directly.
- She has a hard time to follow the instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores.
- Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
- Stay away from, or not, as the tasks that need focused mental effort, such as homework.
- Lose the elements necessary for tasks or activities, for example, toys, school assignments, pencils.
- Be easily distracted by other things, thoughts, or activities, rather than to complete a task.
- Forget to do some daily activities, such as forgetting to do household chores.
Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms
A child who shows a pattern of hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms are often able to:
- Tinker with it or press the hands or feet, or squirming in the seat.
- Has difficulty remaining seated in the classroom or in other situations.
- To be in motion, in constant motion.
- Running around or climbing in situations when it is not appropriate.
- Has difficulty playing or doing an activity in silence.
- Talk too much.
- Blurt out answers, interrupting the questioner.
- Has difficulty waiting for their turn.
- Interrupting others' conversations, games, or activities.
Typically developing versus ADHD
The majority of healthy children are inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive at one time or another. It is typical that preschoolers have short attention spans and will not be able to follow up with an activity for a long time. In older children and adolescents, care often depends on the level of interest.
The same is true of the hyperactivity. Young children are naturally energetic. Often are still full of energy long after they have grown tired of their parents. And some children who naturally have a higher level of activity than others. Children should never be classified as ADHD just because they are different from their friends or siblings.
Children who have problems in school, but get along well at home or with friends will likely have a concern that the ADHD. The same is true for children who are hyperactive or inattentive at home, but whose school work and the friendship will not be affected.
When to see a doctor
If you are concerned that your child shows signs of ADHD, talk to your pediatrician or health care professional. Your health practitioner can make a medical evaluation to rule out other causes of the symptoms of his son. Then, if necessary, your child may be referred to a specialist, such as a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist or pediatric neurologist.
Causes
Although the exact cause of ADHD is not clear, research efforts continue. The factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD include genetics, the environment or the conditions of the central nervous system at key moments in the development.
Risk factors
Risk factors for ADHD that may include:
- Having a blood relative, such as a parent or a sibling with ADHD or other mental health condition.
- Being around environmental toxins, such as lead, which is found primarily in paint and pipes in older buildings.
- Born of a parent who uses drugs, alcohol, or tobacco during pregnancy.
- Being born too early, also called preterm birth.
Although many people seem to believe that sugar causes hyperactivity, there is no proof of this. Many problems in childhood can lead to difficulty paying attention, but that is not the same as ADHD.
Complications
ADHD can make life difficult for the children. Children with ADHD:
- Often have problems in the classroom, which can lead to the failure of the degrees and of being judged by other children and adults.
- They tend to have more accidents and injuries of all kinds that children who do not have ADHD.
- They tend to have low self-esteem.
- Are more likely to have trouble interacting with and be accepted by their peers and adults.
- Are at greater risk of alcohol and drug abuse and other behaviors that may cause problems with the law.
- Have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide.
- Have sleep disorders.
Conditions often associated with ADHD
ADHD does not cause other health or mental development problems. But children with ADHD are more likely than others to also have conditions such as:
- Oppositional defiant disorder. This condition is usually defined as a pattern of negative, defiant, and hostile behavior towards people who are in authority.
- Conduct disorder. This implies an anti-social behaviour, such as theft, fighting, destruction of property, and harm to people or animals.
- Disruptive mood disorder of dysregulation. This involves irritability and problems with the management of the frustration.
- Learning disabilities. These may include problems with reading, writing, listening, and communication.
- Substance use disorders. This involves the misuse of drugs, alcohol, marijuana, or nicotine.
- Anxiety. This results in constant worry and nervousness that affect daily life.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also called TOC. OCD is a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears that lead to repetitive behaviors. These in the way of daily activities and cause a lot of distress.
- Mood disorders. These include depression and bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder includes depression and manic behavior.
- Autism spectrum disorder. This condition is associated with the development of the brain. The impact of the way in which a person thinks and mingle with others.
- Tic disorders. These conditions involve repetitive movements or unwanted sounds, called tics, that they can not be controlled easily.
Prevention
To help reduce your child's risk of ADHD:
- During pregnancy, avoid anything that could harm the development of your baby before birth. For example, do not drink alcohol, use drugs or smoke cigarettes.
- Protect your child from exposure to pollutants and toxins, including cigarette smoke and lead paint.
- Limit screen time. Although this is not yet known, it may be a good idea for children to limit TV, video games and other screen time.
Diagnosis
In general, a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and, if the core symptoms of ADHD start early in life — before age 12-and create major problems at home and at school on an ongoing basis.
There is no specific test for ADHD. An evaluation can help you find out if the symptoms are related to ADHD or other problem. The development of a diagnosis will likely include:
- A medical examination. This can help rule out other possible causes of symptoms.
- The collection of information. This includes the review of any current medical condition, personal and family medical history, and the records of the school.
- Interviews or surveys. These may include the information of the members of the family, teachers, or other people who know your child well, such as carers, sitters and trainers. This information can show you how your child behaves in different situations.
- The ADHD rating scales. These help to collect and evaluate information about your child.
The diagnosis of ADHD in young children
Signs of ADHD may sometimes be observed in children of preschool age and even younger children. But the diagnosis of the disease in very young children is more difficult. That is because the conditions of development, such as language delays can be confused with ADHD.
Preschool-age children or children suspected of having ADHD are more likely to require an evaluation by a specialist, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, speech therapist, or a developmental pediatrician.
Other conditions with symptoms similar to those of ADHD
Some medical conditions or their treatments can cause symptoms very similar to those of ADHD. Examples include:
- Learning or language delays.
- Mood disorders such as depression.
- The anxiety disorders.
- Seizure disorders.
- Hearing or vision conditions.
- Autism spectrum disorder.
- Medical conditions or medications that affect the thinking or behavior.
- Sleep disorders.
- The brain injury.
Treatment
The standard treatments for ADHD in children include medications, behavioral therapy, counseling and education services. These treatments can reduce many of the symptoms of ADHD, but does not cure it. The treatment can also help prevent some of the complications caused by ADHD. It may take some time to find what works best for your child.
Stimulant medications
Stimulant medications, also called psychostimulants, are currently the most prescribed medications for ADHD. Stimulants appear to increase and balance the levels of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. The medicines help to decrease the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. Sometimes can help you in a short period of time.
Examples of stimulant medications include:
- Amphetamines. These include dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine Spansule), dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (Adderall XR, Mydayis) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse).
- Methylphenidates. These include methylphenidate (Concerta, Ritalin, others), dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) and dexmethylphenidate-serdexmethylphenidate (Azstarys).
Stimulant medications are available in short-acting and long-acting forms. Long-acting patches of methylphenidate (Daytrana) or dextroamphetamine (Xelstrym) are available. They can be worn on the hip.
The dose varies from child to child, so it can take time to find what works for your child. And the dose may need to be adjusted if there are side effects, or as the child matures. Ask your health care professional about potential side effects of stimulant medications.
Stimulant medications and certain health risks
Some research suggests that the use of ADHD stimulant medications with certain heart problems can be a concern. The weight and growth may be affected. Also, the risk of certain mental health symptoms may be increased when the use of stimulant medications.
- Conditions of the heart. Stimulant medications can cause an increase in blood pressure or heart rate. But the increased risk of serious side effects or sudden death is not yet established. The health professional evaluates your child for any heart condition or a family history of heart disease before prescribing a stimulant medicine. The health professional also keeps an eye on your child when stimulant medications are used.
- Changes in appetite, weight loss and growth retardation. Stimulant medications can affect appetite and cause weight loss. These drugs may also slightly affect the height growth.
- Mental health conditions. Stimulant medications, it may rarely increase the risk for agitation or irritability. Exceptionally, manic symptoms, or losing touch with reality can happen. Please contact your child's health care professional right away if your child has a sudden new or worsening behavior or see or hear things that are not real while you are taking stimulant medicine.
Other medications
The medications that are sometimes called nonstimulants have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, also called the FDA, for the treatment of ADHD. These include:
- Atomoxetine (Strattera).
- Viloxazine (Qelbree).
- Guanfacine (Intuniv).
- Clonidine (Onyda XR).
Antidepressants, such as bupropion (Aplenzin, Wellbutrin XL, others), are not specifically approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. But it can be effective if other medications have not worked or have too many side effects.
Atomoxetine, and antidepressants work slower than that of stimulant medications do and it may take several weeks to show its full effect. These can be a good option if your child can't take stimulant medicine due to health conditions or serious side effects.
The risk of suicide
Although not shown, have raised concerns that there may be a slightly higher risk of suicidal thinking in children and adolescents who take this medication, viloxazine, or antidepressants. Please contact your child's healthcare provider right away if you notice any signs of depression or suicidal thoughts.
Give medicines safely
It is very important to make sure your child takes the right amount of prescription drugs. Parents may be concerned about the stimulant medications, and the risk of abuse and addiction. Stimulant medications are considered safe when your child takes the medicine as prescribed by a health care professional. Your child should see a health care professional on a regular basis to decide if the dose needs to be adjusted.
There is concern that other people might misuse of stimulant medications prescribed to children and adolescents with ADHD. To keep the medication to your child safe and make sure that your child is receiving the correct dose at the right time:
- Give medications carefully. Supervise children and adolescents when they have to take medication for ADHD instead of letting it be in the office by her own account.
- In the house, keep the medication in a container with child-proof. In addition store the medicines out of the reach of children. An overdose of stimulants of the medicine is serious and can cause death.
- Do not send the supplies of the medication to school with your child. Deliver any medication yourself directly to the school nurse or the health office.
ADHD behavior therapy
Children with ADHD often benefit from behavior therapy, social skills training, parent skills training and counseling. These can be provided by a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or other mental health professional. Some children with ADHD may also have other mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. Counseling may help ADHD, and other conditions.
Examples from therapy include:
- Behavior therapy. Teachers and parents can learn the behavior change strategies, such as token reward systems and the waiting times, to cope with difficult situations.
- Training in social skills. This can help children learn appropriate social behaviors.
- Parenting skills training. This can help the parents to develop ways of understanding and to guide the behavior of their children.
- Talk therapy. Also called psychotherapy, this allows older children with ADHD to talk about issues that bother them, to explore negative behavior patterns and learn ways to deal with your symptoms.
- The therapy of the family. Family therapy can help people find ways of overcoming the challenges that may arise when a family member has ADHD.
The best results happen when a team approach is used. Your child's team may include teachers, parents, therapists, and health professionals working together. Learn about ADHD and services available. Work with teachers of your child and refer to trusted sources of information to support their efforts in the classroom.
Medical devices
The FDA has approved two devices for ADHD. Both need a prescription.
- Monarch external stimulation of the trigeminal nerve (eTNS) system. This is a medical device for the treatment of children with ADHD who are 7 to 12 years of age and not taking ADHD medication prescription. The device creates a low level of electrical pulses that move through a wire to a small patch placed on the forehead of the girl. The signals are sent to the brain areas that are associated with attention, emotion and behavior.
- EndeavorRx. This is a game-based digital therapeutic device. The game is designed to improve attention in children with predominantly inattentive, or combined type of ADHD that are 8 to 17 years of age.
These devices come with the approval of the FDA, but they are new and have limited evidence and data to guide the treatment. If you are considering one of these devices, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider about the precautions, expectations and possible side effects. Get the full information and the instructions of your health care professional.
The treatment in progress
Your child should see a healthcare provider regularly during treatment for ADHD. If the symptoms are much better and stable, the visits usually take place every 3 to 6 months.
In contact with the health professional if your child has any of the medicine's side effects, such as loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, or worse irritability. Also in contact with the health professional if your child has ADHD symptoms do not improve with the current treatment.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Because ADHD is complex and every person with ADHD is different, it is difficult to make recommendations work for each child. But some of the following suggestions may help create an environment in which your child can succeed.
The children in the home
- Encourage your child. Children need to hear that they are loved and appreciated. Focus only on the negative of your child's behavior can cause damage to your relationship and affect the self-confidence and self-esteem. If your child has a difficult time accepting verbal signs of affection, a smile, a pat on the shoulder or a hug can show you care. Look for behaviors for which you can supplement your child.
- Find ways to improve self-esteem. Children with ADHD often do well with art projects, music, dance, or martial arts classes. Choose activities based on their interests and skills. All children have special talents and interests that can be encouraged. Small and frequent successes help build the self-esteem.
- When giving directions, using simple words and show you how to do something. Speak slowly and in silence, and to be very specific and concrete. Give one direction at a time. Stop and make eye contact with your child before and while you're giving instructions.
- Be flexible in difficult situations. Be aware of your child's limits and to adapt to meet the needs of the child when possible. Try to stay away from situations that are difficult for your child. Examples include sitting through long presentations or shopping in stores, where to see so many people and the products may be too much for your child.
- The use of waiting times or the proper reaction when needed. Be clear about the behavior that is expected. Start with firm, loving discipline that reward good behavior and discourage negative behavior. Waiting times should be relatively short but long enough for your child to regain control. The idea is to interrupt and quiet outside of the control of behavior. Children can also be expected that he will accept the results of the choices they make.
- The work in the organization. Help your child organize and maintain a daily allowance and activities, notebook, or a chart. Make sure your child has a quiet place to study. Group of objects in the child's room and store them in clearly marked spaces. Try to help your child to keep spaces organized and free of clutter.
- Try to maintain a regular schedule for meals, naps and bedtime. Children with ADHD have a hard time to accept and adapt to the changes. The use of a large calendar to mark the day to day tasks and special events that are coming up. Do not make sudden changes from one activity to another, or at least to warn your child if you need to do so.
- Promote your social contacts. Help your child to learn social skills through modeling, recognizing and rewarding positive communication and interactions with family members and friends.
- Adopt healthy lifestyle habits. Make sure your child is rested. Try to keep your child from becoming too tired because the fatigue often makes the symptoms of ADHD worse. It is important that your child eats a balanced diet for a healthy development. Along with medical treatment, regular exercise has benefits for health and can have a positive effect on the behavior.
The children in the school
Learn all you can about ADHD and the opportunities to help your child succeed. You are your best support.
- Ask about the school's programs.Schools are required by law to have programs that give support to children who have a disability that interferes with learning. Your child may be eligible for the additional services offered under the federal statutes: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education act (IDEA). These additional services may include assessment of changes in the courses, the changes in the configuration of the class, changes in teaching methods, study skills instruction, the use of computers, and more of the interaction between the parents and the teachers. These education services can be written in your child's education plan, called an individualized education plan. Another name for this plan is IEP.
- Talk with your child's teachers. Talk with the teachers. To support your efforts to help your child in the classroom. Make sure that the teacher will closely monitor the work of your son, give positive feedback, and are flexible and patient. Ask it to be very clear about your instructions and what they expect.
Ask about the school's programs. Schools are required by law to have programs that give support to children who have a disability that interferes with learning. Your child may be eligible for the additional services offered under the federal statutes: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education act (IDEA).
These additional services may include assessment of changes in the courses, the changes in the configuration of the class, changes in teaching methods, study skills instruction, the use of computers, and more of the interaction between the parents and the teachers. These education services can be written in your child's education plan, called an individualized education plan. Another name for this plan is IEP.
Alternative medicine
Alternative medicine means using another approach, in lieu of standard medical care. Complementary medicine means the use of alternative medicine, along with standard medical care. This mixture is sometimes called integrative medicine.
There is little research that shows that the alternative or complementary medicine can reduce the symptoms of ADHD. If you're thinking about trying alternative medicine, talk with your child's healthcare provider first to decide whether the therapy is safe and effective. Some alternative medicine treatments that have been tried, but are not yet fully proven scientifically to include:
- Yoga or meditation. Regular yoga or meditation and relaxation techniques can help children to relax and learn the discipline. This can help to manage symptoms of ADHD.
- Special diets.The majority of diets promoted ADHD do not eat foods thought to worsen hyperactivity, such as the sugar and the foods that are common allergens, such as wheat, milk and eggs. Some diets recommend staying away from artificial food dyes and additives. Until now, studies have not found a consistent link between diet and fewer symptoms of ADHD. Also, limit the intake of food can keep children get a healthy and well-balanced. Some evidence, based on individual reports or personal experience suggests dietary changes could make a difference in children with specific food sensitivities. The use of caffeine as a stimulant for children with ADHD can have hazardous effects and is not recommended.
- Vitamin or mineral supplements. While certain vitamins and minerals in foods are necessary for good health, there is no evidence that supplements of vitamins or minerals may decrease the symptoms of ADHD. "Megadoses" of vitamins, which are doses well above the Recommended daily dose may be detrimental.
- Herbal supplements. There is no evidence to suggest that herbal remedies help with ADHD, and some may be harmful.
- Proprietary formulations. These are products made of vitamins, micronutrients, and other ingredients that are sold as a possible treatment supplements for children with ADHD. These products have had little or no research and are not monitored by the FDA, making them possibly not effective or harmful.
- The essential fatty acids. These fats, which include omega-3 fatty acids, are necessary for the brain to function properly. Researchers are still studying if they can decrease the symptoms of ADHD.
- Neurofeedback training. This is also called electroencephalographic biofeedback. During these sessions, a child is focused on certain tasks, while the use of a machine that shows the patterns of brain waves. The use of the information on the monitor, the child learns to control brain activity to help manage the approach and behavior. More research is needed to see if this works.
Special diets. The majority of diets promoted ADHD do not eat foods thought to worsen hyperactivity, such as the sugar and the foods that are common allergens, such as wheat, milk and eggs. Some diets recommend staying away from artificial food dyes and additives. Until now, studies have not found a consistent link between diet and fewer symptoms of ADHD.
Also, limit the intake of food can keep children get a healthy and well-balanced. Some evidence, based on individual reports or personal experience suggests dietary changes could make a difference in children with specific food sensitivities. The use of caffeine as a stimulant for children with ADHD can have hazardous effects and is not recommended.
Coping and support
Care of a child with ADHD can be a challenge for the whole family. Caregivers may be distressed by the behavior of their child, as well as by the way in which people respond to. The stress of dealing with ADHD can lead to conflict within the marriage or of the society. These problems can be compounded by the financial burden that ADHD can be placed in families.
The siblings of a child with ADHD may also have a hard time. They can be affected by a brother who is demanding or aggressive. You can also get less attention because of the child with ADHD requires both a father of time.
Resources
Many resources are available, such as social services and support groups. Support groups can provide useful information about how to deal with ADHD. Ask your child's healthcare provider about support groups in your area.
There are also excellent books and guides for parents and teachers, as well as internet sites dealing with ADHD. Beware of web sites, or other resources that give advice that is risky or not shown or not match with the health of the team's recommendations.
Strategies to address the
Many of the parents to understand the patterns of behavior of their child and their own responses to that behavior. Both you and your child may need to change the behavior. But the change of habits, new to old takes a lot of hard work.
Be realistic in your expectations of improvement — yours and your child. It will also keep your child's developmental stage in mind. Set small goals for you and your child. Don't try to make a bunch of changes at once.
- Keep calm and give a good example. Act the way you want your child to act. Try to be patient and control, even when the child is out of control. If you speak in a low voice and calmly, your child is more likely that the calm also. Learning stress management techniques can help you deal with their own frustrations.
- Take the time to enjoy your child. Try to accept and appreciate the parts of the personality of your child that are not so difficult to handle. One of the best ways to do this is simply to spend time together. Find a time without the distraction of other children or adults. Try to give your child more positive than negative attention every day.
- Strive for healthy family relationships. The relationship between all the members of the family plays an important role in the management or change the behavior of a child with ADHD. Couples with a strong bond often find it easier to deal with parenting challenges that those whose bond is not as strong. Take the time to build and support their relationship and their relationships with their other children.
- Take a break. Take a break now and then. Don't feel guilty about spending a couple of hours away from your child. You will be better able to cope if you're rested and relaxed. Do not hesitate to ask your family and friends for help. Make sure that the nannies or carers to understand about ADHD and are mature enough for the task.
- Get help if you need it. If you are feeling very stressed, frustrated, or depressed, talk to a mental health professional.
Preparing for your appointment
It is likely that you begin by taking your child to a pediatrician or health care professional. Depending on the results of the assessment, the health care provider may refer you to a specialist, such as a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist or pediatric neurologist.
What you can do
To prepare for your child's appointment:
- Make a list of the symptoms and problems that your child has at home or at school.
- Bring important notes about your personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all the medicines, vitamins, herbs and other supplements that you are taking your son, and the dose.
- Bring up any past evaluations and the results of formal tests , if any, and reports of the school.
- Make a list of questions to ask your child's healthcare provider.
Questions may include:
- Another of ADHD, what are the possible causes of the symptoms of my son?
- What kind of evidence does my child need?
- What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
- What are other options apart from the primary approach you're suggesting?
- My child has other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?
- Should my child see a specialist?
- Is there a generic option for the medication you are prescribing for my child?
- What types of side effects that we can expect from the medicine?
- Is there any printed material I can have? What websites do you suggest?
Feel free to ask questions during your appointment.
What to expect from your doctor
Your health care professional may ask you questions, such as:
- When did you first notice your child's behavior issues?
- To make the challenging behaviors that occur all the time or just in some situations?
- How big of a challenge are your child's behaviors at home and in school?
- What, in any case, it seems that your child's behavior worse?
- What, in any case, it seems that the behavior of your child better?
- Does your child drink caffeinated beverages? What's the frequency?
- What are your child hours of sleep, and patterns?
- How well your child has done at school in the past and how is your son now?
- Does your child read at home? Does your child have trouble reading?
- What to do when your child does not behave well or you can not follow the rules in the home? What are the methods of the discipline of work the best?
- Describe who lives in the house, and a typical daily routine.
- Describe the family of his son and the friend of relationships at home and at school.
Be prepared to answer questions, so that you have time to talk about what's most important to you.
