Have you been concerned about your child’s ability to focus or sit still? They may have Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions affecting children today. Characterized by symptoms such as poor focus, frequent movement or fidgeting, impulsive behaviors and hyperactivity, ADHD can present unique challenges for both children and their families. ADHD can interfere with academic performance, peer relations, and the ability to complete daily activities of living.

As pediatric primary care providers, CPCMG plays an important role in recognizing the signs of ADHD, offering support, and guiding families through the process of diagnosis and treatment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key aspects of ADHD, from understanding its symptoms to available treatment options, and how early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s development and well-being.

Diagnosis
Patients can have ADHD that is predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive, or a combination of both. Patients with symptoms of inattentive ADHD will have trouble with focus, be easily distracted, will be unable to complete tasks, and may be forgetful. Patients with symptoms of hyperactive ADHD will have trouble staying seated, frequently fidget, talk out of turn, and act as if driven by a motor.

There are several criteria doctors use to diagnosis ADHD once it is determined a patient has these symptoms:
• Symptoms must be present for at least 6 months
• Symptoms must be present prior to age 12
• Symptoms must be present in more than one setting
• Symptoms must interfere with the ability to function in academic and/or social settings
• Symptoms cannot be due to another mental health condition

Treatment
Evidence based treatment for ADHD involves a combination of lifestyle changes, behavior therapy and medication. A treatment plan can include school supports like preferential seating, tutoring, or extra time for tests and assignments. You can read more about individualized education plans and school supports here.

Recommended lifestyle changes may include increased physical activity. In fact, children perform better on academic tasks following physical activity or active playtime. Patients may also need to focus on improving sleep habits or nutrition.

Behavior therapy is important for helping patients learn skills to manage their ADHD. This might also include training parents on how to best help their child.

Medications for ADHD are called stimulants and they increase the chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These chemicals help the brain stay focused. There are other medications available that improve these chemicals in the brain but are not stimulants. Your provider will work with you to find the appropriate medication (if needed).

Other considerations
ADHD occurs frequently in patients who have other conditions including anxiety, depression, learning disorders, and oppositional defiant disorder. Sometimes it’s hard to tell whether symptoms of a mental health disorder are causing the symptoms of ADHD or vice versa. Some patients may need to be treated for both simultaneously.

If you have questions or concerns about your child, please reach out to your CPCMG pediatrician. We are here to support you in providing the best care for your child.