ADD

At one time or another we have all met him. He’s the little 7-year old running around at the party. He’s the one not listening to his parents (which is surprising, considering how well-behaved his older sibling has always been). He can’t stay in his seat for dinner. He talks too much -- probably much more than the other children at the party. He’s not listening and he’s not focused on any one activity. Out of kindness you suggest to the boy’s parents that all kids are sometimes like this, even yours. But in truth you know that there is clearly something more going on here.

It could be an Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It could be that the child is actually unusually gifted. Or it could be both. In fact, the gifted child and the one with ADHD often have several common characteristics. These can include excessive fidgeting/squirming, blurting out answers to questions before they have even been completed, difficulty in playing quietly, and difficulty in sustaining attention.

ADHD is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in children and teens. ADHD refers to a group of symptoms that begin in infancy and can continue into adulthood, causing difficulties for people at home, at school, at their jobs, and within their communities. It is often difficult to diagnose in children less than 5 years of age because of the high level of activity in normal children. In addition, sustained attention is not typical of younger children.

The severity of symptoms varies among individuals who have ADHD. Some have difficulty with hyperactivity, remembering, paying attention, organizing, making judgments, solving problems, and impulsivity. ADHD typically is broken down into three subtypes: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, combined type, Predominantly Inattentive type, and Predominately Hyperactive impulsive type.

Very specific checklists of symptoms exist which allow one to discern into which category a child falls. Certainly, any child who presents these symptoms should undergo a comprehensive evaluation. This evaluation should screen for any health-related issues, other psychiatric disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression etc.) as well as the possibility that the child’s problems may stem totally or in part from giftedness. The evaluation often includes a child interview, observation, teacher and parent rating forms and psychological testing.

What about the treatment for the ADHD child? Once an appropriate assessment is completed. The treatment regimen may include behavioral and/or cognitive therapy, group therapy, parent education, school and family interventions, medication, and modifications to the child’s education program. It may also require changes at home as well -- a reorganization of schedules, development of routines, and a renewed commitment to being positive, consistent and encouraging.

While ADHD is not "curable," with proper treatment, the child can grow up to become a happy, successful, well-adjusted individual.

Laura G. Leahy, MSN/APN-CNS is a co-founder of the Center For Family Guidance, PC. The Center offers a full range of services including: individuals, couples and family therapy; psychiatric evaluations; school-based evaluations and learning assessments; child and adolescent mental health therapies; medication management; and consultation to community hospitals and mental health centers. Offices located in Marlton and Woodbury, New Jersey as well as other satellite locations throughout the Delaware Valley.