Children who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have an abnormally difficult time concentrating on tasks, paying attention, sitting still, and controlling impulsive behavior. This page provides parents with information to understand the behaviors associated with the disorder in order to make informed decisions for their children regarding the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition.
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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a condition that affects mental health and is frequently identified in children. Children who have ADHD may have a difficult time concentrating on their schoolwork or on other tasks, paying attention, and sitting still for long periods of time. Children who have ADHD have a more difficult time than other children their age in being able to exercise self-control, which can result in difficulties both at school and at home.
The following are two distinct types of behaviors associated with ADHD:
Inattentive behaviors, in which a child has difficulty paying attention to tasks or social interactions
Impulsive behaviors, which occur when a child has an excessive amount of energy and has difficulty controlling his or her impulses
Some people with ADHD only exhibit behaviors of inattention, while others only exhibit behaviors of impulsivity, but the majority of people with ADHD have a combination of both sets of symptoms.
Symptoms of ADHD typically begin with either hyperactive or impulsive behaviors. Typically, they manifest themselves in children between the ages of three and six years old. Examples of behavior that may be classified as hyperactive or impulsive include having a lot of energy and finding it difficult to sit still.
- Always moving around and fidgeting
- Frequently wandering around and climbing on various objects
- Interrupting others on a regular basis or constantly talking to yourself
- Being very quick to lose patience
Inattention is one of the other symptoms of ADHD. These tend to become apparent once the child begins attending school. Examples of inattentive behaviors are as follows:
- Being easily diverted from one’s focus
- Making careless mistakes
- Having difficulty carrying out the instructions as they are given
- Often forgetting or losing things
- Having difficulty maintaining a sense of organization
- Giving the impression of not listening when someone is speaking to him or her
- Trying to avoid activities that require a lot of mental or physical effort
- Appearing to be oblivious to the events occurring in their surroundings
ADHD is diagnosed in boys approximately two times more often than in girls. It’s also possible that girls will exhibit different symptoms.
The condition that is now more commonly referred to as ADHD was formerly known by its older name, attention-deficit disorder (ADD). Up until 1987, when the word “hyperactivity” was added to the diagnosis, it was referred to as ADD. Some people continue to use the older term, ADD, either as a matter of habit or because they find it to be a more familiar term than ADHD. Some people use it to refer to children who are diagnosed with ADHD but who do not exhibit hyperactivity.
Is it Possible for a Child to Have ADHD Even If He or She Doesn’t Have Hyperactivity?
Yes. A type of ADHD known as inattentive ADHD affects children who struggle to concentrate but who do not exhibit unusually high levels of restlessness or impulsivity. Because this type of child is less likely to engage in disruptive or problematic behavior, which brings the issue to the attention of teachers and parents, he or she is more likely to be diagnosed later. However, children who have symptoms of inattention may begin to have difficulties around the middle of elementary school, when it becomes increasingly difficult for them to keep up with the rest of the class.
How exactly does one diagnose ADHD?
A child may be given a diagnosis of ADHD if before the age of 12, the child displays a number of behaviors that are either impulsive or inattentive, including the following:
- His or her behavioral issues go beyond what is considered typical for children of their age.
- He or she has been exhibiting symptoms for an extended amount of time.
- He or she has difficulties controlling his or her behavior in a variety of settings, including home and school.
- His or her actions are interfering with their academic performance as well as his or her social life.
A mental health professional will talk to the child’s parents, teachers, and any other adults who play a significant role in the child’s life in order to make a diagnosis. The counselor will also get to know the child. The child will be examined and tested multiple times. This will assist the professional in mental health in determining whether the child suffers from ADHD or another disorder with comparable symptoms.
Does ADHD Affect Children When They Are Not in School?
Yes. Their inattention and impulsivity also have a negative impact on their family life, as well as the friendships and extracurricular activities in which they participate. They interrupt constantly, and they tend to lose their cool when they don’t get what they want, so it’s possible that they have a hard time making and keeping friends.
Children who have severe ADHD are often excluded from play dates because their behavior cannot be relied upon, and this is something that happens fairly frequently. Children who suffer from ADHD may have difficulty participating in team sports because they struggle to pay attention and adhere to the rules.
Because they do not follow instructions, are impulsive, and throw tantrums whenever they are asked to transition from an activity that they enjoy to mealtime, homework time, or bedtime, children with ADHD may frequently be in direct conflict with their parents and siblings.
Treatment for ADHD typically consists of a combination of behavioral therapy and medication.
Therapy
Children who have ADHD may benefit from participating in one or more of the following types of therapy:
- Interactional therapy with parents and children: Treatment for both the parent and the child in the same setting. The child’s parent acquires the skills necessary to instill positive behavior.
- Training for parents teaches them how to respond appropriately when their child displays certain symptoms.
In cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), the therapist works with the child to help him or her gain behavioral control. The counselor and child talk about the ways in which the child’s thoughts and emotions are connected to behavior. The counselor practices techniques with the child to help improve his or her self-control. This strategy is most successful when applied to older children.
Social skills training consists of the therapist teaching the child how to behave in the presence of other children.
Through family therapy, parents and siblings of a child diagnosed with ADHD learn coping mechanisms to better manage the emotional strain of daily life. There is also the possibility of close collaboration between the therapist and the child’s teachers.
Medication
Stimulant medication is frequently recommended for the treatment of ADHD in children. They will be able to concentrate better and better control their impulses with the help of this medication. Methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine, also known by their brand names Ritalin and Adder all, are the two medications that are prescribed the most frequently.
These medications may cause adverse effects, including headaches, a loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping, among other symptoms. If a child experiences these adverse effects, a medication that does not contain a stimulant may be prescribed for them instead.
When children reach their teenage years, the symptoms of ADHD typically improve or vanish altogether for the majority of them. Some adults continue to struggle with the symptoms of ADHD, particularly with their attention and their ability to control their impulses.
Risk for other disorders
Oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, or depression are often diagnosed in children who have ADHD. In addition, a diagnosis of Tourette syndrome might be made for certain children with ADHD. Treatments for ADHD are at their most successful when they are combined with treatment for any other mental health conditions the child may have.
If you suspect that your child may have ADHD or any other mental health issue, contact us today. A caring Christian counselor is waiting to help you and your child understand ADHD better and learn how to handle the challenges with greater success.
Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(469) 333-6163