Concierge Pediatrics doctors specialize in treating ADHD, anxiety, autism, behavioral problems, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Prior to prescribing medication for mental or behavioral health, each child is given the option to test their pharmacogenetic DNA to ensure they are prescribed the right medicine. This will not only allow us to determine immediately what is the best solution for your child based on their individual chemistry, but it also prevents having to prescribe by trial and error, which unfortunately is how done at most other pediatric offices.
Your child may find it challenging to focus and stay on task if they have attention deficit disorder (ADD) or they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), both of which are neurological disorders.
It has been observed that a child may be easily distracted and unable to pay attention at home and school if they have ADD. They might also have trouble remembering things and following instructions, which makes it tough for them to finish their classwork and assignments and frequently results in poor grades. Your child may find it challenging to sit quietly due to impulsive behaviors and hyperactivity, which are also characteristics of ADHD. Additionally, your child can have a tendency to talk too much and rudely interrupt other people.
Your child is often distracted while performing schoolwork or chores and frequently daydreams while at school. Perhaps they fidget all the time.
You could be concerned about whether or not they have ADHD (ADHD). Another possibility is attention deficit disorder (ADD). Is there a distinction?
Your child’s diagnosis and particular symptoms will determine which term best describes them and their family. In order to make sure that your child receives the proper diagnosis, it is crucial to speak with a knowledgeable mental health professional.
Fidgeter or daydreamer?
A brain-based disorder, ADHD. It may obstruct your child’s regular home and school activities. Children that have problems focusing and regulating their activities are sometimes categorized as hyperactive.
You should make a note of your child’s symptoms before a diagnosis is made. You can keep tabs on them with the CDC’s checklist for kids with ADHD.
The warning indicators are as follows:
- Disorganization difficulty keeping focused, persistent daydreaming, and failure to pay attention when spoken to directly are all examples of inattention.
- Impulsivity: Includes making snap judgments without considering the potential for harm or long-term consequences. They take swift action to get an immediate benefit. They might frequently scold classmates, friends, and relatives.
- Squirming, tapping, chatting, and frequent movement are all examples of hyperactivity, especially when it occurs in inappropriate settings.
Mental health experts in the U.S use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose different conditions, including ADHD. The latest research divides the problem into three categories:
- ADHD, inattentive presentation (what used to be called ADD)
- ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive presentation
- ADHD combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms)
ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Kids with this condition aren’t hyperactive. They don’t have the high energy level seen in others with ADHD. In fact, children with this form may seem shy or “in their own world.”
ADD is diagnosed if a child under age 16 has 6 or more symptoms of inattention (5 or more for older teens) for at least 6 consecutive months but no signs of hyperactivity/impulsivity.
The symptoms include:
- Trouble paying attention (easily sidetracked)
- Doesn’t like or avoids long mental tasks (such as homework)
- Inefficient and appears forgetful
- When spoken to directly, the child doesn’t seem to be listening.
- The youngster is not very detail-oriented.
- The child loses things a lot.
- Makes careless mistakes
- Has difficulty following instructions
Children with this form of ADHD may go undiagnosed since the symptoms could be confused for daydreaming.
ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
Children with this type of ADHD are extremely energetic and continually move in problematic ways. If a child under the age of 16 exhibits six or more hyperactive/impulsive symptoms for at least six months, it is diagnosed (5 or more for older teens). Compared to the unfocused form, this one is more observable.
These signs include:
- Giving hasty responses before a question is fully answered
- Interrupting others frequently
- Difficulty holding out for their turn
- Talks excessively
- Squirming, tapping, and fidgeting
- The child stands up and displays inappropriate indications of impatience (such as when the teacher is talking or in the middle of dinner)
- The child is running or climbing in the wrong places.
- Can’t play quietly
- Constantly “on the go.”
ADHD Combined Presentation
A child with this type shows both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms.