What You Should Know About ADHD

When it comes to your child, a diagnosis of any kind can be scary or cause anxiety. However, though they affect daily life, conditions like ADHD are manageable with help from your pediatrician. Find out more about ADHD, what it means for you and your child, and which steps to take in managing it with Mundelein Pediatrics in Grayslake, IL.

What is ADHD? 
ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, affects about 6% of the population and affects people of all ages. While every person with ADHD has one or more of its symptoms, the condition differs patient to patient and occurs on a wide range of levels of severity. Patients may have trouble functioning in settings such as school or work, finding it difficult to focus on completing tasks. ADHD can also affect a patient’s home and social life. ADHD is often referred to as ADD, though the conditions are similar but different.

Does my child have ADHD? 
The symptoms of ADHD may not be immediately obvious. Patients with ADHD may experience symptoms such as:

• easily distracted
• chronically late
• restless or hyperactive
• fails to follow instructions
• prone to procrastination
• difficulty staying focused
• difficulty completing tasks
• forgetfulness
• impulsivity

How is ADHD diagnosed? 
Patients must meet certain criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD. Their condition must significantly affect at least two areas of the patient’s life, such as work, school, home, or social life. The symptoms must be excessive and ongoing. ADHD may present itself in three main forms:

• ADHD Combined: The patient experiences both inattention and hyperactivity.
• ADHD Predominantly Inattentive: The patient experiences more inattentiveness than hyperactivity.
• ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive: The patient experiences more hyperactivity or impulsiveness than inattentiveness.

How can my Grayslake pediatrician help treat my child’s ADHD? 
Your child’s pediatrician can help your child control and manage their ADHD and live a normal, productive life. Behavioral therapy to learn how to appropriately deal with behavioral problems, learn coping skills, and improve communication skills has shown to be helpful in treating ADHD. In some cases, your doctor may suggest medication to effectively manage the symptoms of ADHD.

For more information on ADHD or what it means for your child, please contact your child’s pediatrician at Mundelein Pediatrics in Grayslake, IL. Call 847-548-7337 to schedule your appointment with your child’s pediatrician today!