Do I have a child with ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common behaviour disorder in children, affecting up to seven per cent of school age children. ADHD often coexists with other disorders such as learning disabilities or anxiety disorders or even substance induced mood swings. Some of the symptoms are distractibility, irritability, poor concentration, hyperactivity, impulsivity, insomnia. As children grow in to their teens the hormonal changes in adolescence can intensify the symptoms.
Children With ADHD tend to be constantly moving and fidgeting. They don’t seem to listen and often talk excessively. They have difficulty playing quietly and they will often interrupt or intrude on others. They are easily distracted and don’t finish tasks.
Some behaviours can appear to be ADHD but aren’t. Some causes of similar behaviour to ADHD are a sudden life change (a divorce or death of a family member), undetected seizures, medical disorders affecting brain function, anxiety and depression.
Diagnosis of ADHD is not easy. If you suspect your child has ADHD you should speak to your GP. It is worth speaking to your child’s teachers too, they may have noticed different symptoms than you have. Both your GP and your child’s school can arrange for you to see a specialist, usually a child psychiatrist. They will assess your child and start treatment. Unfortunately this process is not simple as ADHD is very hard to diagnose as there can be very similar disorders. If you believe that your child does have ADHD then do try to pursue it, keep talking to your GP and the teachers until you feel your child is getting the best care. It may help to keep a diary of your child’s behaviour so that when you see a specialist you have examples that can help with diagnosis.
It can often be frustrating waiting for your child to get a diagnosis. It may be worth getting in contact with a support group of parents who have children With ADHD and who know what you are going through.
ADHD can have a devastating effect not only on the child, but on the whole family. There are many organisations that can help children and families with the effects of ADHD.
Children With ADHD tend to be constantly moving and fidgeting. They don’t seem to listen and often talk excessively. They have difficulty playing quietly and they will often interrupt or intrude on others. They are easily distracted and don’t finish tasks.
Some behaviours can appear to be ADHD but aren’t. Some causes of similar behaviour to ADHD are a sudden life change (a divorce or death of a family member), undetected seizures, medical disorders affecting brain function, anxiety and depression.
Diagnosis of ADHD is not easy. If you suspect your child has ADHD you should speak to your GP. It is worth speaking to your child’s teachers too, they may have noticed different symptoms than you have. Both your GP and your child’s school can arrange for you to see a specialist, usually a child psychiatrist. They will assess your child and start treatment. Unfortunately this process is not simple as ADHD is very hard to diagnose as there can be very similar disorders. If you believe that your child does have ADHD then do try to pursue it, keep talking to your GP and the teachers until you feel your child is getting the best care. It may help to keep a diary of your child’s behaviour so that when you see a specialist you have examples that can help with diagnosis.
It can often be frustrating waiting for your child to get a diagnosis. It may be worth getting in contact with a support group of parents who have children With ADHD and who know what you are going through.
ADHD can have a devastating effect not only on the child, but on the whole family. There are many organisations that can help children and families with the effects of ADHD.
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