ADHD

There is no single definitive cause for ADHD, however research shows that genetics plays an important role. Other factors thought to increase the risk for ADHD include:

• Prematurity
• Prenatal drug or alcohol exposure
• Brain injury or trauma
• Environmental exposures (such as lead)

Typically, though, a specific cause is never identified in most children diagnosed with ADHD.

Common symptoms of all ADHD types include:

• Difficulty paying attention
• Daydreaming
• Disorganized or forgetful
• Easily distracted
• Interrupts or talks excessively
• Rushes through, or has trouble completing, tasks
• Acts impulsively or without thinking
• Fidgets and squirms
• Restless, or always “on the go”
• Often loses things
• Noisy or disruptive behavior

There is no actual medical testing that exists to diagnose ADHD. A diagnosis stems from careful observations of a child that are matched with certain behavioral and developmental criteria set forth specifically for ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-Fifth Edition (DSM-V), a publication by the American Psychiatric Association.

Detailed questionnaires completed by parents and your child’s teachers are often the first step in the diagnostic process, along with a complete physical to rule out any medical problems. An evaluation with a neuropsychologist is also helpful to uncover any learning disabilities or other mental health issues that may be contributing to your child’s attention struggles.

ADHD Diagnostic Criteria

The most common and effective treatment for ADHD is stimulant medication. Stimulants work by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain and are effective for about 70-80% of children with ADHD.

Non-stimulants are used when a child does not tolerate stimulants well, or if parents prefer a non-stimulant approach.

• ADHD Medications
• Triplicate Prescriptions

In addition to medication, we may suggest a combination of the following:

• Academic accommodations at school, or an IEP (Individualized Education Program)
• Behavioral or psychological therapy
• Non-prescription dietary supplements

(Adapted from the National Resource Center on ADHD and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC))

Website Resources

• National Institute of Mental Health: ADHD
• CHADD
• Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)