ADHD

Does my child have ADHD or is this just normal childhood behavior?

ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is also known as ADHD. ADHD is a neurological disorder that affects the brain's chemistry. A child that suffers with ADHD will have a hard time behaving properly, following directions and paying attention. It is important that you get your child examined if you think they are showing signs of ADHD.

ADHD affects approximately 3-5% of all children and can last into the later years of life. Most often parents, teachers and caregivers will notice the disorder during the preschool and elementary years. Early symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. A child with ADHD may seem like they are constantly on the go and sitting still for dinner, classwork, a lecture or story may be difficult. Usually, the child with ADHD will be squirming, wiggling, touching nearby items or tapping things in their hands. It is usually very hard for them to wait for their turn to do something. Children with ADHD will often blurt out answers or make sudden choices without much thought. It is also common for children with ADHD to become distracted easily and it is often hard for them to complete one task before moving on to another. Because of this, they will often lose pencils, crayons, toys or other belongings that they just had.

It is not uncommon for a parent or teacher to think that a child may have ADHD. However, some typical early childhood behaviors are often mistaken for ADHD symptoms. A psychiatrist, psychologist, medical doctor or neurologist can diagnose ADHD and provide medication, advice, referrals, counseling and support when needed.

There are ongoing studies regarding the causes and treatments of ADHD. Currently, it is believed that there are several possible causes for the disorder. The most common causes are:

*Higher levels of lead in your body

*Maternal smoking or alcohol use during pregnancy

*Brain injury

*Food additives and sugar

*Genetics

If your child has ADHD, you may notice other disorders that commonly accompany the disorder. It is not uncommon for children with ADHD to have learning disabilities or conduct disorders. Children with ADHD may also have tourette syndrome, oppositional defiant disorder, bipolar disorder and axiety/depression problems. Children with ADHD are often prescribed medications to control the chemistry levels in the brain. Some families choose to alter treatment and prefer behavior treatment rather than medical treatment for ADHD. Often times, children do not respond well to prescribed medications and the side effects are worse than the actual disorder. The most common side effects of the medications are decreased appetite, increased anxiety, insomnia, irritability, stomach aches and headaches.

Comments: ADHD

Comments 1 to 12 of about 12.

mummyof4 - 187 days ago.
I have a 9 year old with adhd. He has ADHD aspergers syndrome ODD dyspraxia and he is dyslexic. he has severe behavioural difficulties and attends special school im expecting baby number 5 and its really hard work. anyone who wants to chat message me! been through all medication and help routes be happy to discuss!

sarahbobarah - 202 days ago.
As an ADDer, I go off the rails big time if I eat anything with red food dye in it. It has the same effect as pseudoephedrine or way too much coffee, only I become more irritable. Aparently food dye of any kind can cause problems for kids prone to hyperactivity, while having little to no effect on those with no previous hyperactive behaviors. This is a petition presented to the FDA by the Center for Science in the Public Interest which cites some very interesting studies on the effect of food dyes in children. http://www.drgreene.org/documents%2FPetition-food-dyes-final.pdf

~Mendy-Tinksfairydust76~ - 213 days ago.
i have a 10 year old boy on Focalin...i hate to medicate him......is there an alternative to meds?

RobinG - 246 days ago.
I am not a fan of meds so have done alot of reading on diets changes, there are moms who've shared that it make a huge difference. I strongly suggest reading up on it ~

http://adhdstory.blogspot.com/2008/08/adhdstory.html

http://3stepsadd.com/

http://add.natural.googlepages.com/

my oldest is awaiting diagnosis but we already give him omega 3 daily. There was a mom who shared that a friends son was really bad and she went 100% organic and he was like a new child and docs were so amazed :) Here is some info on foods and why organics are important ~ http://www.euphoricorganics.com/go_organic/dirty_dozen.html. I've also read that red dyes arent good ~

babydust08 - 247 days ago.
I have a 6 year old boy with ADHD. He is in kindergarten. We are not having very much luck with meds so far. We have tried, strattera, concerta, ritalin, and adderall. Any advice on something that works? He currently goes to counceling 2x a week. He is very defiant, seems very angry for a child. He is mean to his older sister. He has had a good life. We are a very stable family. I would love to chat with someone in the same boat. Some support system would be greatly appreciated. :)

RobinG - 247 days ago.
Anyone have a teen or child who docs werent sure if Aspbergers or ADHD? Or discuss testing to see which it is? My son had testing in school and they found no learning disability with tests. But outside psychologist said it could still be ADHD or Asp since tests dont mean there isnt a problem, just means not a learning Dis to qualify for services.

Jet - 278 days ago.
Agreed. My son started mediation from 6 years but I was searching for answers for him from about 2 years of age. The problems became horrendous once he started school. The difference on medication was awesome. Highly recommend it.

nichole13134 - 304 days ago.
LisaC, relax! only time will tell if your baby will have ADHD, and if he/she does, then you figure out the best methods for your child to learn/grow. My son was diagnosed with ADHD at 5yo, but from the time he was around 2 I knew he had it. He was still a happy little guy, and a wonderful baby and toddler. His problems didn't start untill he started school, and really the problems were with his attentiveness and hyperactivity. He is still a very sweet boy. My son has taken 3 different medications, the best I have found for him is Stratterra. It's a non-stimulant so really he doesn't seem 'drugged up' just controllable. Good luck with your pregnancy and enjoy your little one without worrying too much about ADHD!

amanda miller - 306 days ago.
My son is eight and has been on medication since he was five. Everyone was so against me giving him the medication at first but they all had a change of heart including me once they saw the change in his behavior and report cards.

SarahBobarah - 306 days ago.
I myself was diagnosed with ADD (ADHD) as a child and was placed on Ritalin, a drug I took up until my university days. A number of years ago I started to do research into alternatives to Ritalin and other stimulant drugs, and developed my own little supplement regimen which I have been taking, sans Ritalin, for seven years. It is important to first eliminate any food allergies that your child may have, before putting him/her on any medication. What worked for me was eating a full breakfast everyday, one high in veg and protein. With breakfast I also take a high quality fish oil, a B-Complex vitamin, Ginko Biloba, Siberian Ginseng, and a Multi Vitamin. I have found that even the fish oil alone has greatly increased my abiltiy to pay attention. I can't stress enough however, just how important a really good and healthy diet can be for the ADHD child. I hope this might help some moms out there.

LisaC - 361 days ago.
I am pregnant and I dont know if my child will have ADHD my brother told me the other day that they just dianoised his 4 yr old son with ADHD and my brother has it so it wasnt surprising plus I kinda knew my nephew had it before because he had all the common symptoms of ADHD the hard dicussion is the medication because I dont want my kid to be drugged all the time but I know they want kids on medication while they are in school

RobinG - 365 days ago.
Any moms here with a child who has ADD that found natural ways or diet changes that helped significantly? I'd love to hear what worked for you ~ My oldest as ADD not ADHD, and not looking to medicate but looking to help him with changes in his diet. Really want to hear success stories and examples of what was used versus what some may have heard may work ~ TX!

More comments:

More sections:

All sections
Trying to conceive
Pregnancy & Birth
Birth defects
Babies