ADHD in Children

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neuro-developmental disorders during childhood, often lasting into adulthood. Children who have ADHD often are hyperactive, cannot maintain attention on something, and are very impulsive (thinking without evaluating consequences). These children may also talk way too much, have issues resisting temptations, and may not get along well with others (Data and statistics about ADHD, 2021).

There are multiple types of ADHD in children, with the most common kind known as combined-type ADHD. This type of ADHD is distinguished by impulsiveness, hyperactivity, distractibility, and inattention. The inattentive and distractible type of ADHD is the second most common and does not include any kind of hyperactive behavior. The least common type of ADHD is the hyperactive/impulsive type which does not include any type of attention or distraction issues (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

Treatment for ADHD involves both the parents and the child affected, with the goal of encouraging positive behaviors and eliminating problem-causing behaviors. Parents with children under 6 years old are recommended to try parent behavior training as a first-line treatment. Parent behavior modification can include breaking tasks into smaller pieces, limiting distractions, encouraging their child to exercise often, and avoiding becoming overly angry (Porter, 2018). If no improvement is seen using this method, then medication use is indicated. This is because children under 6 are more likely to have side effects from ADHD medications than older kids. However, children over 6 should use a combination of behavior therapy and medications (Treatment of ADHD, 2021).

Citations:

CDC. (2021, September 23). Data and statistics about ADHD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

CDC. (2021, September 23). Treatment of ADHD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html#behavior

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/adhdadd

Porter, E. (2018, September 17). Parenting tips for ADHD: DO's and don'ts. Healthline. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/parenting-tips#what-not-to-do