INTRODUCTION: ADHD is a common behavioral disorder that affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children and stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a medical condition that affects how well someone can sit still, focus, and pay attention and used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD.

ADHD has no known cure, but it can be successfully controlled. This condition is not caused by poor parenting, excessive sugar, or vaccines, But has biological origins that are not as yet clearly understood.

SYMPTOMS: Appear over a period of many months, and include Impulsiveness ( a child who acts quickly without thinking first) and also include excessive worrying, fear, or panic, which can lead to physical symptoms such as a speeding heart, sweating, stomach pains, and diarrhea.

Such symptoms often get better as children grow older and learn to adjust, But although some may “grow out of” their symptoms, more than half of all kids who have the disorder will continue to show signs of the condition as young adults. The good news is, with proper treatment, children can learn to successfully live with and manage their symptoms.

TEST: Because there’s no test that can determine the presence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a diagnosis depends on a total and complete evaluation. Your child’s physician may also perform a physical exam as well as tests to check hearing and vision so other medical problems can be ruled out. A definite diagnosis is hard because there are no tests that consistently detect this disorder.

Very few parents are surprised when the results of a MD administered Attention Deficit Disorder test come back with a positive diagnosis of their child having adhd. They already suspect a hyperactivity or attentional problem or they would not be in the MD’s office asking for an ADHD test to begin with. The biggest problem with such a test is that diagnosis is basically subjective and often relies on the tolerance of the observer.

TREATMENT: Effective treatments for ADHD are available, and include behavioral therapy and medications. Ultimately, the primary care MD gathers the information, makes the diagnosis, and begins treatment. Some treatments are better than others at addressing specific combinations of symptoms. A good treatment plan will require close follow-up and monitoring, and your child’s MD may make adjustments along the way. When determining the proper treatment for your child, the MD might try various drugs in various doses, especially if your child is being treated for ADHD along with another disorder. Your child’s MD may recommend additional treatments and interventions depending on your child’s symptoms and needs.

A number of alternative treatments are promoted and tried by parents including: megavitamins, body treatments, diet changes, allergy treatment, chiropractic treatment, attention training, visual training, and traditional one-on-one “talking” psychotherapy, But scientific research has not found them to be useful, and most of these treatments have not been examined carefully, if at all.

Anti-depressants are occasionly a treatment option; However, in 2004 the FDA issued a warning that these drugs may lead to a rare increased chance of suicide in children and teens. Because it’s important for parents to actively take part in their child’s treatment plan, parent education is also deemed an important part of ADHD management. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, Speak to your MD.

CONCLUSION: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a real illness that begins in childhood, is more commonly found in boys than girls, and it affects 8-10 percent of school-age children in the US. It must be diagnosed by a MD who specializes in these types of conditions in cooperation with parents and teachers.

Teachers should develop abbreviated assignments or provide longer time for children with ADHD. Although it can often be challenging to raise kids with this problem, it’s important to remember they aren’t “bad,” “acting out,” or “being difficult” on purpose. For additional information about ADHD and Adult ADD, visit your physician or other health care professional.

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