ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a common mental health condition that affects millions of children and teenagers. Adults are also affected by ADHD, although their symptoms are different than those commonly displayed by children.

In young people, ADHD is typically identified as predominantly hyperactive or predominantly inattentive, depending on the child’s symptoms and behaviors.

Hyperactive symptoms include:

• Fidgeting
• Can’t sit still
• Runs and plays at inappropriate times
• Unable to play quietly
• Has trouble waiting for turns
• Interrupts others or blurts out answers

Inattentive symptoms include:

• Poor attention to detail
• Makes careless mistakes
• Doesn’t seem to listen
• Dislikes or avoids tasks that require concentration
• Frequently loses or misplaces items
• Disorganized
• Easily distracted

It’s also possible that your child might demonstrate a combination of both hyperactive and inattentive ADHD behaviors.

Adults tend to display ADHD behaviors slightly differently. For example, an adult with ADHD may have performance trouble at work, be frequently late, and have relationship problems.

When should I talk to a doctor about ADHD?

It’s normal for your child to run around and be loud, even in inappropriate environments, from time to time. However, if your child’s behaviors are interfering with their success at school or disturbing your life at home, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Feder for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.

What causes ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD isn’t fully understood. However, medical researchers and psychiatric specialists believe there is a genetic factor that contributes to the condition.

Other factors that may contribute to ADHD include premature birth, poor maternal health or lifestyle habits such as poor sleep, and brain injuries.

How is ADHD treated?

Dr. Feder begins treatment with a comprehensive assessment and consultation to confirm your child’s diagnosis. If necessary, he performs school observations and interviews your child’s teachers about their behavior.

Dr. Feder creates a customized treatment plan that may include medicine, therapy, and lifestyle modifications for your child. He believes that medication can be helpful, but must be combined with other therapies to help your child learn to control their behaviors and appropriately communicate their emotions and needs.

He also helps you learn behavioral and relationship-based strategies to connect with and interact with your child, such as the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR®/Floortime™) Model. The DIR model helps you build a foundation for healthy communication and development, even if your child is still very young.

If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior and think they may have ADHD, call Dr. Feder or schedule a consultation online today.