- Children Who Can't Pay Attention
- ADHD
By The American Academy of
Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- No. 6; Updated July 2004
Parents are distressed when they
receive a note from school saying that their child won't listen
to the teacher or causes trouble in class. One possible reason
for this kind of behavior is Attention?Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD).
|
Even though the child with ADHD
often wants to be a good student, the impulsive behavior and
difficulty paying attention in class frequently interferes and
causes problems. Teachers, parents, and friends know that the
child is misbehaving or different but they may not be able to
tell exactly what is wrong.
Any child may show inattention,
distractibility, impulsivity, or hyperactivity at times, but
the child with ADHD shows these symptoms and behaviors more frequently
and severely than other children of the same age or developmental
level. ADHD occurs in 3-5% of school age children. ADHD must
begin before the age of seven and it can continue into adulthood.
ADHD runs in families with about 25% of biological parents also
having this medical condition. |
|
A child with ADHD often shows
some of the following:
* trouble paying attention
* inattention to details and makes careless mistakes
* easily distracted
* loses school supplies, forgets to turn in homework
* trouble finishing class work and homework
* trouble listening
* trouble following multiple adult commands
* blurts out answers
* impatience
* fidgets or squirms
* leaves seat and runs about or climbs excessively
* seems "on the go"
* talks too much and has difficulty playing quietly
* interrupts or intrudes on others
A child presenting with ADHD
symptoms should have a comprehensive evaluation. Parents should
ask their pediatrician or family physician to refer them to a
child and adolescent psychiatrist, who can diagnose and treat
this medical condition. A child with ADHD may also have other
psychiatric disorders such as conduct disorder, anxiety disorder,
depressive disorder, or bipolar disorder. These children may
also have learning disabilities.
Without proper treatment, the
child may fall behind in schoolwork, and friendships may suffer.
The child experiences more failure than success and is criticized
by teachers and family who do not recognize a health problem.
Research clearly demonstrates
that medication can help improve attention, focus, goal directed
behavior, and organizational skills. Medications most likely
to be helpful include the stimulants (various methylphenidate
and amphetamine preparations) and the non-stimulant, atomoxetine.
Other medications such as guanfacine, clonidine, and some antidepressants
may also be helpful.
Other treatment approaches may
include cognitive-behavioral therapy, social skills training,
parent education, and modifications to the child’s education
program. Behavioral therapy can help a child control aggression,
modulate social behavior, and be more productive. Cognitive therapy
can help a child build self-esteem, reduce negative thoughts,
and improve problem-solving skills. Parents can learn management
skills such as issuing instructions one-step at a time rather
than issuing multiple requests at once. Education modifications
can address ADHD symptoms along with any coexisting learning
disabilities.
A child who is diagnosed with
ADHD and treated appropriately can have a productive and successful
life.
For additional information see
Facts for Families:
#16 Learning
Disabilities
#21 Psychiatric Medication for Children
#29 Psychiatric Medication: Types of Medications
#33 Conduct Disorders
#38 Bipolar Disorder in Teens
#51 Questions to Ask about Psychiatric Medications
for Children and Adolescents
#52 Comprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation
See Also: Your Child (1998 Harper Collins) / Your Adolescent
(1999 Harper Collins).
Copyright © 1997 by the
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. |
Beauty Secrets of
the World
