How to Cope With Your Child’s ADHD
Parents with a child diagnosed with ADHD often wonder how they can cope with the challenges they face. Here are a few tips. Set reasonable expectations and be patient, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If time management is a struggle, ask your partner to help. Be sure to stay in close contact with your healthcare provider and report any changes in your child’s behavior or reaction to prescribed medications. For more information, visit the website of the National Center for Exceptional Children.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
Many children struggle with excessive inattention and distraction, which are the signs and symptoms of ADHD. This disorder also causes difficulty listening to instructions or completing a task. Children with ADHD experience problems with maintaining order in their homes, classrooms, and relationships. Symptoms of ADHD can vary in severity, but can include a tendency to speak or shout excessively, not waiting their turn, and completing activities without prompting.
People with ADHD often go undiagnosed throughout their childhood. In years past, it was unusual for a child to be diagnosed with this disorder, so the person may have been labeled as a slacker, dreamer, or troublemaker. Because of this, many tended to compensate for their symptoms while they were young. However, as adults, they may have difficulty focusing and managing their responsibilities.
While there are a variety of causes of ADHD, the primary culprit is heredity. People with at least one first-degree relative with ADHD have a higher risk of developing the disorder. In addition, the chemical composition of the brain plays a role in the development of this disorder. Certain areas of the brain regulate behaviors, and dysregulation of neurotransmitters can result in ADHD. For more information, sign up for our free newsletter.
Types of ADHD
There are three types of ADHD: hyperactive/impulsive, inattentive, and combination. Regardless of which type you have, treatment plans will focus on improving your child’s attention, perseverance, time management, and restraining distractions. In addition to improving these skills, they should address weaknesses and help boost your child’s success in specific areas. A physician can determine which type of ADHD you have, and offer you treatment options that will help improve your child’s quality of life.
The inattentive type of ADHD affects people who have poor attention to detail. They are prone to miss important details, such as the time it takes to do a task. They may struggle to keep up with work and school, miss important deadlines, or send birthday cards on time. While these behaviors may appear rude and immature, they are not usually deliberate. Combined Type ADHD sufferers exhibit both the inattentive and hyperactive symptoms.
Both types of ADHD have symptoms, but most people who have both conditions have a combination of both. This is a diagnosis given to those who have at least six symptoms in both categories. The most common symptoms of combined type are inattentiveness and hyperactivity, and it is important to recognize them as they are categorized in two different ways. While symptoms in one type may not overlap, they are more likely to be common in the other.
Causes of ADHD
Parents often wonder if their ADHD child was a victim of bad parenting. ADHD tends to run in families, but being born with it doesn’t always mean a child will have the condition. ADHD is a condition of the brain that is prone to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. While there are limiting factors in the early years of a child’s life, parents can often learn to cope with their child’s symptoms through education and support.
One of the most common myths about ADHD is the association between excessive screen time and heightened risk of ADHD later in life. However, there’s no proven causal connection. Researchers have speculated that screen time is a natural tendency for children with attention challenges. They also note that screen time has increased during the childhood ADHD pandemic, and that this has correlated with an increase in parent reports that children’s symptoms had worsened.
An efficient cause of ADHD would be a specific genetic or environmental factor, or a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These factors would be in harmony in different people and environments, but they wouldn’t be consistent across people. If ADHD were natural, there would be no need for a formal diagnosis. However, the genome, the brain’s chemistry, and the brain’s physiology may not be consistent across different individuals. Moreover, they would not be found everywhere, as we would expect. Hence, we have to look at ADHD as an environmental phenomenon rather than an inherent condition of the brain.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
The process of ADHD diagnosis includes a comprehensive review of the symptoms and behavior of a patient. Often, the physician will ask about the child’s medical history and how they interact with peers and teachers. Older children and teens may be able to answer additional questions. Exams can help rule out other conditions and physical health concerns. The doctor may perform one or several tests to determine whether the patient is suffering from ADHD. The evaluation may take an hour or longer.
A doctor may suspect a child has ADHD if they notice that they are not concentrating, impulsive, or hyperactive. The symptoms are usually not age-related. However, younger children often exhibit symptoms that are more indicative of ADHD. The child may also be hyperactive, impulsive, or have a high energy level. If you suspect that your child has ADHD, schedule an appointment with a psychologist or a doctor who specializes in the condition.
To be considered for a diagnosis of ADHD, a child must exhibit at least six symptoms for at least 6 months. Symptoms of ADHD must interfere with a child’s everyday life. To confirm the diagnosis, a child must meet specific criteria set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Typically, doctors will consider the child’s age, medical history, and family and school records when making a diagnosis. To diagnose ADHD, doctors will use criteria from the DSM-5.
Treatsments for ADHD
Although there are no known cures for ADHD, there are several effective behavioral therapies. Behavioral therapy involves teaching children specific skills to change negative thought patterns and manage behavior. These techniques are helpful in coping with life challenges, such as substance abuse and mental health conditions. These methods may also help children cope with the emotional symptoms of ADHD. These behavioral therapies may also benefit the child’s family members, as they can help them learn better communication and problem-solving skills.
Stimulant drugs are the most common and studied type of medicine for ADHD. These drugs include amphetamines and methylphenidate. They work to increase attention, regulate behavior, improve fine motor skills, and improve social functioning. Some stimulants may be short-acting or long-lasting, such as Vyvana. Generally, these medications cause side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness.
Psychosocial therapy is an excellent way to deal with the behavioral symptoms of ADHD. Psychosocial therapy is a vital component of treating this disorder. It helps to address the root causes of ADHD. Cognitive behavioral therapy is another form of treatment. It helps patients cope with the emotional and social difficulties that accompany ADHD. These methods are highly effective, but can lead to side effects, so it is important to seek the advice of a mental health care professional before embarking on any medication.
ADHD in Adults
When it comes to the diagnosis of ADHD in adults, the symptoms are often the same as in children. Most doctors focus on childhood presentation, but there is increasing evidence that the characteristics of ADHD can change in adults. The symptoms of ADHD are usually present consistently for a long time and are not episodic. Hence, it’s important to see a physician for diagnosis. There are also self-evaluation tools available to help you determine if you have ADHD.
Adults with ADHD may have a higher risk of developing depression and other conditions that increase their risk of dying. This may be due to the fact that women tend to experience more internalizing symptoms of ADHD than men. In addition, doctors might not be as sensitive to symptoms in women because they have lower levels of clinical suspicion. But this does not mean that doctors do not notice this type of disorder. While the symptoms of ADHD are the same, a diagnosis of schizophrenia is based on the overall history and evaluation of the patient.
Drugs for ADHD in adults include stimulants. These drugs increase the levels of two chemicals in the brain, norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals are associated with attention and self-regulation. The positive effects of stimulants can be temporary or long-lasting, and they are not addictive. Brand names for stimulants include Ritalin, Adderall, and Vyvanse. If you suffer from ADHD and you are considering taking any medication, speak to your doctor to learn which ones might be the best option for you.
ADHD Medication
There are several different treatments for ADHD, including therapies and medicine. The dose of these treatments depends on the severity of your symptoms and the severity of other mental health problems. Your doctor may prescribe two or more medications. These treatments are often combined, and doctors can monitor side effects and adjust dosages accordingly. If you’re experiencing severe depression or any other side effects, contact your doctor. It’s important to monitor your condition and work closely with your care team to find the best treatment for you.
Although most ADHD medications have long-term effects, they may not be the best solution for every person. Those with long-term ADHD treatment can benefit from long-acting medicines, which may prevent the risk of misuse. Alternatively, parents can structure their children’s lives to increase their chances of success and avoid unnecessary stress. Additionally, parents can help their child cope with stress by learning to meditate, exercising, and relaxing. For adults with ADHD, support groups and a well-balanced diet can be beneficial.
While most children respond to stimulants and non-stimulants, older children may need a longer-acting medication. Among the FDA-approved medications for ADHD, lisdexamfetamine (lisdexamfetamine) is the most effective for treating core symptoms and has an acceptable adverse effect profile. In addition, guanfacine and clonidine are relatively new and have limited evidence supporting their use. However, children with certain health conditions such as heart disease or congenital heart disease are not a good candidate for stimulants. In addition, about half of children with tic disorders also have ADHD.
