What is Childhood ADHD?
Almost all children have behavior issues from time to time. But, for children with ADHD, behavior problems are persistent and occur over a long period of time.
ADHD is not a discipline problem or a reflection of a child's intelligence - nor is it a result of poor parenting. ADHD is thought to be a biological condition that affects certain types of brain functioning. While the exact cause of the condition is still unknown, scientists have focused their research on chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, in the brain. These messengers are believed to play a role in behaviors like attention and movement.
Over the years, ADHD has been called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). While some still refer to the condition as ADD, the term is no longer in widespread use. ADHD is the updated clinical term as it most accurately describes all aspects of the condition.
In the United States, approximately 9% of the school-age population is diagnosed with ADHD. It's the most commonly diagnosed behavioral condition in children today. Twice as many boys are diagnosed with ADHD as girls.
Much like height or eye color, ADHD can be inherited. Studies suggest that 76% of ADHD is linked to family genetics. So the condition is more common among people who have a close relative with ADHD. Adults with ADHD have a 50% chance of passing it on to their children.
While there's no cure for ADHD, the symptoms of the condition can be effectively managed with medication.
Related Links: ADHD Signs & Symptoms >> How is ADHD Diagnosed? >> ADHD Family Link
How is ADHD Diagnosed in Children?
Here are some quick tips to get you started on the evaluation process:
- Consult with your child's healthcare professional to receive a proper ADHD diagnosis
- ADHD symptoms must be present for at least 6 month
- When properly diagnosed and treated, ADHD symptoms can be improved
- Take the ADHD symptom screener on www.concerta.net to see if your child shows signs of ADHD
Do you suspect that your child's problems could add up to more than just typical childhood behavior? If yes, it may be time to schedule an evaluation with a healthcare professional. Because most children show signs of these behaviors at one time or another, a complete medical evaluation is necessary to make a proper ADHD diagnosis.
In children and teenagers, the symptoms of ADHD must be more frequent or severe than in other children their age. ADHD symptoms must be present for at least 6 months. And the symptoms must create significant difficulty in at least 2 areas of life, such as home, school, or social settings.
Studies show that between 30% and 70% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms as adults. When properly diagnosed and treated, ADHD can be significantly improved.
There's no single test used to diagnose ADHD. Healthcare professionals typically use checklists for rating ADHD symptoms and ruling out other possible medical conditions with symptoms similar to those of ADHD.
Your child's healthcare professional may obtain information about your child's behavior from people your child interacts with regularly, like teachers, coaches, and caregivers. And, because ADHD is thought to be an inherited condition, your child's family history can offer important clues, too.
ADHD Treatment Options for Children
Here are some tips on how to manage your child's ADHD symptoms:
- The right treatment can effectively manage your child's ADHD symptoms
- If diagnosed, your child's doctor will tailor an individual treatment plan
- Stimulants, like CONCERTA®(methylphenidate HCl), are the most commonly prescribed medication to treat ADHD
When properly diagnosed and treated, ADHD can be effectively managed. A comprehensive approach to treating ADHD can be an effective way to treat the condition. This includes prescription medicine and counseling or behavioral therapy.
Once diagnosed, your child's healthcare professional may prescribe a medication for ADHD. There is no cure for ADHD and no one treatment is right for everyone. So, considering your child's medical history, his or her healthcare professional may recommend a treatment plan that weighs the benefits and risks of each ADHD medication.
To date, the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications are from a class of drugs called stimulants. Stimulants are proven to reduce ADHD symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Children
ADHD is a condition that causes a child to display a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactive/impulsive behavior that is more frequent and more severe than other children their age. ADHD symptoms can affect children all day and every day—at home, at school, and in social settings.
Your child may have a hard time with focusing, sitting still, and completing tasks they start. The symptoms of ADHD can cause issues with social interactions, too. It may be hard for a child with ADHD to control their impulses, even when they know they are expected to behave.
ADHD symptoms fall into 3 basic subtypes, which include inattentive, hyperactive, and/or impulsive behavior. These symptoms are persistent (in other words, they must be present for at least 6 months) and occur more frequently in children with ADHD than other children their age.
Common signs and symptoms of ADHD in children:
- Easily distracted
- Trouble following directions
- Poorly organized homework
- Often make careless mistakes
- Forgetful
- Frequently interrupt others
- Trouble waiting turn in games or activities
- Cannot stay seated, often fidget or squirm
Not every child with ADHD has every symptom, or experiences the symptoms of ADHD to the same degree. ADHD symptoms are persistent, and must be present for at least 6 months.
ADHD Family Link
ADHD has the highest rate of heritability among all neurobiological conditions. Up to 44% of fathers of children with ADHD also have ADHD. And up to 38% of mothers of children with ADHD also have the condition. For a brother or sister of a child with ADHD, the risk is 32%
While the exact cause of ADHD is still unknown, researchers have focused their research on chemical messengers in the brain. These messengers are believed to play a role in behaviors like attention and movement.
When properly diagnosed and treated, it's possible for your child to manage the everyday challenges of ADHD symptoms with CONCERTA® —the #1 ADHD medication prescribed by pediatricians.
Resources for Parents of Children with ADHD
The more you know about ADHD, the better you can manage your child's condition. When you understand how ADHD affects your child's life, you can start developing strategies to overcome the everyday challenges your child faces—at school, home and at play.
Here are some helpful resources you can use for education and support:
www.concerta.net ADHD Support Center— visit www.concerta.net for more information.
US Department of Education— Find out about your child's rights under federal laws designed to ensure that children with disabilities, including ADHD, receive an appropriate education.
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/Policy/IDEA/index.html
American Medical Association (AMA)—This professional organization for doctors is dedicated to the art and science of medicine and promoting public health.
http://www.ama-assn.org/
CHADD.org— Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is a national nonprofit organization that provides advocacy and support for people with ADHD.
chadd.org
NIMH.NIH.gov—The National Institute of Mental Health provides useful information about ADHD in children, adolescents and adults.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd/what-is-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.shtml
Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA)— LDA is one of the largest non-profit volunteer organizations advocating for individuals with learning disabilities.
http://www.ldanatl.org/
ADDitude Magazine— Stay on top of the latest information about ADHD in children, adolescents and adults.
http://www.additudemag.com/channel/adhd-information/index.html
The Mayo Clinic— The Mayo Clinic is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of virtually every type of complex illness, including ADHD.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275/DSECTION=lifestyle%2Dand%2Dhome%2Dremedies
CONCERTA® is a prescription product approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Talk to your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Only a healthcare professional can decide whether medication is right for you or your child.
CONCERTA® should not be taken by patients who have: allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients in CONCERTA®; significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; glaucoma; tics, Tourette's syndrome, or family history of Tourette's syndrome; current or past use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); esophagus, stomach, or intestinal narrowing. Children under six years of age should not take CONCERTA®.
Abuse of methylphenidate may lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has had problems with alcohol or drugs; has had any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems; has had depression, abnormal thoughts or visions, bipolar disorder, or seizure. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you or your child: develops abnormal thinking or hallucinations, abnormal or extreme moods and/or excessive activity; or if aggressive behavior or hostility develops or worsens while taking CONCERTA®. Your child's healthcare professional should check height and weight often and may interrupt CONCERTA® treatment if your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected.
Stimulants may impair the ability of the patient to operate potentially hazardous machinery or vehicles. Caution should be used accordingly until you are reasonably certain that CONCERTA® does not adversely affect your ability to engage in such activities.
The most common adverse reaction (>5%) reported in children and adolescents was upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions (>10%) reported in adults were dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, headache, and insomnia.
See full U.S. Prescribing Information and Medication Guide for CONCERTA®.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
