ADHD in Children and Adults

If you or someone you know has ADHD, you are likely familiar with the three symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

• Inattention refers to difficulty paying attention or focusing on any one task.
• Hyperactivity refers to the need to be in motion and a challenge to sit still for even a short time
  • Children with ADHD may squirm, fidget, or run around at the wrong times. Teens and adults often describe feeling restless and fidgety. They may not enjoy reading or other quiet activities. Most people with ADHD are hyperactive only some of the time, even if hyperactivity is their main symptom.
• Impulsivity, or acting before thinking
  • Children may not be able to wait for their turn or share their belongings. ADHD makes it hard for them to play with other children. Teens and adults may make quick decisions that have a long-term impact on their lives without thinking of the consequences such as spending beyond their budget or changing jobs often.

Several factors are believed to cause or increase the likelihood that an individual will develop symptoms of ADHD:

• Family history is the most significant factor. Since ADHD tends to run in families, having a parent or grandparent with ADHD may increase the chances of an individual also having symptoms.
• Exposure to lead-based paint may cause symptoms linked with ADHD. In the United States, children may be exposed to lead if they live in a house that was built before 1978, as these houses may contain lead-based paint.
• Use of substances by mother during pregnancy may increase the risk for ADHD, including cigarettes, alcohol or other drugs.

A primary care physician or pediatrician can diagnose ADHD. Your doctor will use a combination of exams, tests, and other information to diagnosis ADHD. Based on guidelines created by the American Psychiatric Association diagnosis, your doctor will:

• Review your medical history, specifically asking about your social, emotional, educational and behavioral history.
• Complete a physical exam.
• Complete a behavior rating scale and checklist for ADHD.

Diagnosing a child with ADHD

Before meeting with your child’s doctor, consider what age your child's symptoms began. You and other caregivers can help by recording when the behavior occurs and how long it lasts. If your child is seen by a physician about possible ADHD, you and your child’s teacher will be asked to identify symptoms and any problems caused by your child’s behaviors. How much do symptoms affect your child’s ability to learn and get along with classmates?

Tests for related problems

A child who is being tested for ADHD may also be checked for barriers to learning or behaviors that impact how your child interacts with others. Your child may be given verbal or written tests to evaluate his or her skills.

There are tests commonly used with children to measure cognitive abilities, ability to concentrate and complete tasks. These tests can be given to children who are too young to read or write. If you are concerned about how your child's temperament, learning skills, and behavior are developing, talk with your doctor during your next visit.

Treatment for ADHD will depend on the age of the individual, as well as an understanding of the person's strengths and challenges. Although there is no cure for ADHD, treatment may help control symptoms and improve quality of life.

ADHD can be treated with medicines, behavior therapy and counseling.

Medications

Medications for ADHD fall into several categories, but the primary types are stimulants and nonstimulants:

Examples of stimulants are amphetamine (including Adderall or Dexedrine) or methylphenidate (including Concerta, Metadate CD, or Ritalin).

Nonstimulant examples include atomoxetine (Strattera), clonidine (Kapvay) or guanfacine (Intuniv). These medicines may be used if stimulant medicines aren't effective or have side effects that bother the individual with ADHD. This category of medications may be used alone or in combination with stimulant medicines.

How safe are ADHD medicines for children?

Medications for ADHD improve behavior and attention in many children. Be sure that medication for ADHD is taken about the same time every day and watch for side effects such as stomachache or inability to fall sleep. If your child is bothered by side effects for more than a few weeks, talk to your child's doctor. The doctor may change the dosage or recommend a different medicine.

Stimulant medicines may be related to slower growth in children, especially in the first year of taking the medicine. But most children seem to catch up in height and weight by the time they are adults. Your child’s doctor will keep track of your child's growth and will watch for problems.

Not all of a child's behavior problems may able to be controlled by medication. Other treatment may also be needed.

Behavior therapy

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, both the child and parents often take part in behavior therapy. Parents learn strategies such as positive reinforcement to improve a child's behaviors, while children learn skills for problem solving, communication and self-advocacy.

Counseling

Working with a therapist or counselor who specializes in treating ADHD can help your child focus on developing social skills. These skills are important to help your child be less aggressive and impulsive, manage anger, and behave in a more socially acceptable way.

Behavior therapy and counseling are sometimes more effective when combined with medication than when engaged in separately.

ADHD in adults

Like children with ADHD, adults may benefit from medication combined with professional support. If you are struggling with ADHD, counseling can help you learn more about your diagnosis, skills to help you cope and support groups.

Skills training may include:

• Time management training.
• Organizational techniques.
• Academic and vocational counseling.

If you are unable to manage your ADHD symptoms on your own, consider seeking professional help.

Call the Behavioral Health HelpLine at 260-471-9440 or 800-284-8439, anytime 24 hours a day. Our assessment specialists are available to guide you to the appropriate level of care or resources to support you in the current situation.