Symptoms of ADHD can be very difficult to spot in a child. The only way to know for sure if a child has the disorder is to perform a complete evaluation. Doctors will look for trouble with attention, impulsivity, and social skills. They will also evaluate a child’s behavior and medical history. They will discuss the symptoms with the child, and they will talk to the child’s parents. In addition, they may test the child’s academic abilities. Afterward, the doctor may refer the child to a child psychologist or psychiatrist.
It is important for parents to keep in contact with their healthcare provider, especially if their child’s symptoms have worsened. This will help them manage the symptoms of ADHD. During treatment, the doctor may prescribe medicine or therapy to help the child’s symptoms improve. Other treatments may include behavior therapy, social skills training, and counseling. These treatments will help the child improve his or her social skills and self-esteem.
People with ADHD often have trouble organizing tasks, especially tasks that require mental effort. Their attention is usually interrupted by extraneous stimuli. They may fidget with their feet, hands, or eyes. They may also lose needed items. They may also have trouble paying attention in classrooms, and they may not remember important information. People with ADHD also have trouble with their self-esteem and relationships. They may be socially embarrassed. They may also experience difficulty with addiction.
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a child must display at least six of the nine symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The symptoms must interfere with the child’s functioning and must be noticeable for six months in two or more settings. Often, these symptoms are seen early in the child’s life.
Some kids with ADHD also experience mood problems, learning problems, and defiant behavior. Parents should be supportive of their child, and they should learn more about ADHD. They should also be willing to accept the challenges of ADHD, and they should not have unreasonable expectations for their child. They can also use humor to deflect their child’s anxiety. They can also encourage their child’s strengths. They should set clear rules for their child, and they should reward good behavior.
When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, the doctor will discuss the symptoms with the child and the parents. He or she may also ask the teacher to fill out a checklist, and he or she may review the school records and other information about the child’s life. It is important that the doctor rule out any other causes of the child’s symptoms. He or she may also conduct a screening for learning disabilities.
If the doctor feels that the child has ADHD, the doctor will prescribe medicine to help control the symptoms. However, some people are able to stop taking the medications when they are no longer needed. Some people also find that their symptoms decrease as they get older.
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