Children with Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADHD)

You may hear this condition called by various names: hyperactivity, minimal brain dysfunction, minimal brain damage and hyperkinetic syndrome. All of these terms describe a condition that affects a child's ability to concentrate, to learn and to maintain a normal level of activity. Attention-deficit disorder affects from three to 10 percent of all children in America. Thought to be 10 times more common in boys than in girls, this disorder often develops before the age of seven but is most often diagnosed when the child is between ages eight and 10.

The child with ADHD:

• has difficulty finishing any activity that requires concentration at home, school or play; shifts from one activity to another.
• doesn't seem to listen to anything said to him or her.
• acts before thinking, is excessively active and runs or climbs nearly all the time; often is very restless even during sleep.
• requires close and constant supervision, frequently calls out in class, and has serious difficulty waiting his of her turn in games or groups.

In addition, children may have specific learning disabilities that can lead to emotional problems as a result of falling behind in school or receiving constant reprimands from adults or ridicule from other children.

No single cause for ADHD is known. As with depression, scientists suspect that a combination of heredity, environment and biological problems contribute to development of the disorder. For example, studies show that parents of some children suffering from ADHD also were diagnosed as having the illness. Investigators have suggested many other theories, but their validity has not been established.

A child should undergo a complete medical evaluation to ensure an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Youngsters may develop inappropriate behaviors because they can't hear or see well enough to know what is going on around them. Or another physical or emotional illness may be contributing to the behavioral problem.

Treatment can include the use of medications, special educational programs that help the child keep up academically, and psychotherapy.

Between 70 and 80 percent of children with ADHD respond to medications when they are properly used. Medication allows the child a chance to improve his attention span, perform tasks better, and control his impulsive behavior. As a result, children get along better with their teachers, classmates and parents, which improves their self-esteem. Also, the effects of the medication help them gain the benefits of educational programs geared toward their needs.

Like virtually all medications, those used for ADHD have side effects. These include insomnia, loss of appetite and, in some cases, irritability, stomach aches or headaches. Such side effects can be controlled by adjusting the dosage or timing of the medication.

Psychotherapy is commonly used in combination with medications, as are school and family consultation. By working with the therapist, a child can learn to cope with his or her disorder and the reaction of others to it, and develop techniques to better control his or her behavior.

continue: Anxiety Disorders in Children