Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects the brain, and is often first diagnosed in childhood.
As a parent, you might worry if your child shows signs of ADHD, such as inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.
Children with ADHD typically experience:
- Trouble in the classroom or failing grades
- Sleep disorders
- More accidents and injuries (compared to children who don’t have ADHD)
- Poor self-esteem
- Difficulty interacting with and being accepted by peers
If your child is experiencing these signs, a mental health professional can find out if these behaviors are normal for development or if they show ADHD.
At Strong Mind Psychiatry, we have extensive experience diagnosing ADHD in children. Our ADHD assessment process examines your child’s history, behavior, and cognitive skills, helping us make an accurate diagnosis. We take the time to explain the diagnosis clearly and compassionately.
What are the signs of ADHD in a child?
Each child with ADHD may have different symptoms, but typically we see difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity. These symptoms most often occur together, but one may be present without the others.
Inattention
- Seeming distracted
- Not listening
- Trouble paying attention
- Not following directions well
- Needing many reminders to do things
- Showing poor effort in schoolwork
- Having trouble getting organized
Impulsivity
- Interrupting or blurting out a lot
- Doing things without thinking
- Trouble waiting, taking turns, or sharing
Emotional outbursts, losing their temper, or lack self-control
Hyperactivity
- Climbing, jumping, or roughhousing (when it’s time to play quietly)
- Fidgeting and seeming unable to sit still
- Rushing instead of taking their time
- Making careless mistakes
- Constantly in motion
ADHD makes children act in ways that are hard for parents to manage. So if it’s tough for your kid to control their attention, behavior, or emotions, you may want to look into an assessment with a licensed professional, such as a licensed specialist in pediatrics.
What causes ADHD in a child?
The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. However, research suggests that it’s genetic. Research also shows that children with ADHD have lower brain metabolism in areas that manage attention, social judgment, and movement – as well as low levels of dopamine, a brain chemical.
Which children are at risk for ADHD?
Since ADHD tends to run in families, many parents of children with ADHD likely had symptoms of ADHD when they were younger.
Other risk factors include:
- Drug, nicotine, or alcohol use during pregnancy
- Exposure to lead (and other related toxins)
- Brain injuries
- Low birth weight
- Premature birth
ADHD Evaluations
A pediatrician, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or mental health expert can diagnose ADHD. To do so, they will talk with parents and teachers and watch the child.
Diagnosis also relies on results from physical, nervous system, and mental health tests. Certain tests may be used to rule out other health problems, and others may check thinking skills and certain skill sets.
The following guidelines are used to evaluate and diagnose ADHD:
- Five to six or more symptoms present (depending on their age).
- Symptoms occurring in two or more settings (such as home, school, and other social settings).
- Symptoms continuing for more than six months.
Symptoms start before the child reaches 12 years of age. However, these may not be recognized as ADHD symptoms until they are older.
You know your child best, but it can be hard to tell if their energetic or inattentive behavior is just a phase or something more. An expert opinion from someone who specializes in diagnosing childhood ADHD is crucial. Schools often perform evaluations, but they may focus on educational impact more than their mental health.
At Strong Mind Psychiatry, our team of licensed providers are specially trained to assess ADHD in young children and teens. We use the best diagnostic tools and take the time to evaluate your child, giving you clear insights and a way to move forward.
Helping Teens
The teen years pose new challenges for kids with ADHD. Academic demands rise, and social relationships become trickier. Many teens with ADHD muddle through middle and high school, but don’t get the targeted support they need to really thrive.
What makes this even more difficult is that those with ADHD have a higher risk of alcohol and drug misuse (and other behaviors that can cause problems with the law). They also have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide.
So naturally as a parent, you worry about your teen. You fear they might fall behind in school, take risks, or struggle with self-esteem. These struggles can also result in them being unprepared for the independence of college or adulthood.
We help teens with ADHD understand themselves better. Our therapy services and ADHD treatment plans for teens at Strong Mind Psychiatry help them build skills in executive functioning, self-advocacy, and healthy coping strategies. We also provide strategies for success in school, social life, and emotional health as they prepare for adulthood.
ADHD Treatment
Once your child is diagnosed with ADHD, it can feel overwhelming to navigate treatment options. You want your child to receive the best care supported by research. They also need a treatment plan that fits your family’s needs and values.
Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. Treatment for ADHD may include: Psychostimulant medicines, non-stimulant medicines, and/or behavior management training for parents. ADHD medication can be highly effective in reducing symptoms. It may be prescribed and adjusted based on side effects.
At Strong Mind Psychiatry, our psychiatric specialists are experts in finding the optimal ADHD medication and dose for your child. We provide your family with useful strategies, tools, and resources. These help your child develop important skills and healthy habits for managing ADHD.
How can I help prevent adhd in my child?
It’s unknown how to prevent ADHD in children. But spotting and treating it early can lessen your child’s symptoms, support their development, and improve their quality of life.
Your relationship with your child matters most. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, we recommend taking the following steps:
- Be involved.
- Understand how ADHD affects your child.
- Focus on teaching your child one thing at a time.
- Work with your child’s school.
- Connect with others for support and awareness.
- Find out if you have ADHD.
- Discipline with purpose and warmth.
- Set clear expectations.
- Spend special time together every day.
Get Your Child Expert, Compassionate ADHD Care
If you think your child might have ADHD, or if they’ve been diagnosed and you want the best treatment, Strong Mind Psychiatry is here to help.
Our expert medical providers are here to help your child thrive. We focus on diagnosing and treating kids and teens with ADHD. Strong Mind Psychiatry also offers your family expert guidance, resources, and support at every stage.
Take the first step and contact us today to schedule an ADHD evaluation for your child. For your convenience, you can now book a telehealth appointment.
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