Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder

There has been a lot of confusion concerning the syndrome known as Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. Myths, suppositions and rumors abound as to what causes it, how it is treated, and what parents can expect if their child has been diagnosed with this condition. To clear up the confusion, and give you the facts that you need to know, we are going to go over some of the most frequently asked questions that are raised by parents everywhere.

Want to know more about Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder? All of us here at Pediatric Partners share your concerns about your child’s well-being and if you call us today, we can help you and your child get through these difficult times.

Exactly what is ADHD?

The condition known as Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder is one that occurs in some 5% of school age children, boys more often than girls. The main symptoms of this condition include moodiness, an inability to stay focused on even the most simple of tasks, and a chronic difficulty to stay still for even a few minutes. Children with this condition will often act out, following their own impulses, in spite of warnings or punishment and can be quite disruptive in class. This will often result in a poor school performance, through no fault of their own and can also lead to a low sense of self-esteem, because their actions bring about criticisms that they do not feel they deserve.

What Causes It?

Testing over the years has not revealed much in the way of a definitive cause for ADHD, other than an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. There is also evidence that the condition may be hereditary in nature, after case studies were done involving the children of parents who had been diagnosed during their childhood with the same condition.

What should I do if I suspect that my child has ADHD?

As with any situation that causes a parent concern, bringing your child to see the pediatrician is the first step to definitively find out whether or not your child has this condition. The symptoms alone would not readily define the presence of hyperactivity or attention deficit, because there are other health problems that can interfere with their performance in school. They may have a middle ear infection, for example, which can cause hearing problems and a lack of focus, or a learning disability that has gone undetected.

What is the Treatment Plan?

There is no distinct cure for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, but there are medications available that can help you and your child manage their condition. The current ones in use are Ritalin and Adderall, both of which are often prescribed in tandem with special learning programs to help the children keep up with their studies, as well as behavioral management programs to help you and your child cope with the hyperactivity and impulsiveness.