Overview

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

Children with ADHD also may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school. Symptoms sometimes lessen with age. However, some people never completely outgrow their ADHD symptoms. But they can learn strategies to be successful.

While treatment won't cure ADHD, it can help a great deal with symptoms. Treatment typically involves medications and behavioral interventions. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome.

Care at Mayo Clinic for children with ADHD

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

The primary features of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder include inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior. ADHD symptoms start before age 12, and in some children, they're noticeable as early as 3 years of age. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe, and they may continue into adulthood.

ADHD occurs more often in males than in females, and behaviors can be different in boys and girls. For example, boys may be more hyperactive and girls may tend to be quietly inattentive.

There are three subtypes of ADHD:

• Predominantly inattentive. The majority of symptoms fall under inattention.
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive. The majority of symptoms are hyperactive and impulsive.
• Combined. The most common type in the U.S., this is a mix of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

Inattention

A child who shows a pattern of inattention may often:

• Fail to pay close attention to details or make careless mistakes in schoolwork
• Have trouble staying focused in tasks or play
• Appear not to listen, even when spoken to directly
• Have difficulty following through on instructions and fail to finish schoolwork or chores
• Have trouble organizing tasks and activities
• Avoid or dislike tasks that require focused mental effort, such as homework
• Lose items needed for tasks or activities, for example, toys, school assignments, pencils
• Be easily distracted
• Forget to do some daily activities, such as forgetting to do chores

Hyperactivity and impulsivity

A child who shows a pattern of hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may often:

• Fidget with or tap his or her hands or feet, or squirm in the seat
• Have difficulty staying seated in the classroom or in other situations
• Be on the go, in constant motion
• Run around or climb in situations when it's not appropriate
• Have trouble playing or doing an activity quietly
• Talk too much
• Blurt out answers, interrupting the questioner
• Have difficulty waiting for his or her turn
• Interrupt or intrude on others' conversations, games or activities

Additional issues

In addition, a child with ADHD has:

• Symptoms for at least six months
• Several symptoms that negatively affect school, home life or relationships in more than one setting, such as at home and at school
• Behaviors that aren't normal for children the same age who don't have ADHD

Normal behavior vs. ADHD

Most healthy children are inattentive, hyperactive or impulsive at one time or another. It's normal for preschoolers to have short attention spans and be unable to stick with one activity for long. Even in older children and teenagers, attention span often depends on the level of interest.

The same is true of hyperactivity. Young children are naturally energetic — they often are still full of energy long after they've worn their parents out. In addition, some children just naturally have a higher activity level than others do. Children should never be classified as having ADHD just because they're different from their friends or siblings.

Children who have problems in school but get along well at home or with friends are likely struggling with something other than ADHD. The same is true of children who are hyperactive or inattentive at home, but whose schoolwork and friendships remain unaffected.

When to see a doctor

If you're concerned that your child shows signs of ADHD, see your pediatrician or family doctor. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, but it's important to have a medical evaluation first to check for other possible causes of your child's difficulties.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

While the exact cause of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is not clear, research efforts continue. Factors that may be involved in the development of ADHD include:

• Genetics. ADHD can run in families, and studies indicate that genes may play a role.
• Environment. Certain environmental factors, such as lead exposure, may increase risk.
• Development. Problems with the central nervous system at key moments in development may play a role.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

In general, a child shouldn't receive a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder unless the core symptoms of ADHD start early in life — before age 12 — and create significant problems at home and at school on an ongoing basis.

There's no specific test for ADHD, but making a diagnosis will likely include:

• Medical exam, to help rule out other possible causes of symptoms
• Information gathering, such as any current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and school records
• Interviews or questionnaires for family members, your child's teachers or other people who know your child well, such as baby sitters and coaches
• ADHD criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association
• ADHD rating scales to help collect and evaluate information about your child

Diagnosing ADHD in young children

Although signs of ADHD can sometimes appear in preschoolers or even younger children, diagnosing the disorder in very young children is difficult. That's because developmental problems such as language delays can be mistaken for ADHD.

So children preschool age or younger suspected of having ADHD are more likely to need evaluation by a specialist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, speech pathologist, or developmental pediatrician.

Other conditions that resemble ADHD

A number of medical conditions or their treatments may cause signs and symptoms similar to those of ADHD. Examples include:

• Learning or language problems
• Mood disorders such as depression or anxiety
• Other psychiatric disorders
• Seizure disorders
• Vision or hearing problems
• Tourette syndrome
• Medical problems that affect thinking or behavior
• Sleep disorders
• Thyroid problems
• Substance abuse
• Brain injury

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Complications

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can make life difficult for children. Children with ADHD:

• Often struggle in the classroom, which can lead to academic failure and judgment by other children and adults
• Tend to have more accidents and injuries of all kinds than do children who don't have ADHD
• Tend to have poor self-esteem
• Are more likely to have trouble interacting with and being accepted by peers and adults
• Are at increased risk of alcohol and drug abuse and other delinquent behavior

Coexisting conditions

ADHD doesn't cause other psychological or developmental problems. However, children with ADHD are more likely than others to also have conditions such as:

• Learning disabilities, including problems with understanding and communicating
• Anxiety disorders, which may cause overwhelming worry, nervousness
• Depression, which frequently occurs in children with ADHD
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, characterized by irritability and problems tolerating frustration
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), generally defined as a pattern of negative, defiant and hostile behavior toward authority figures
• Conduct disorder, marked by antisocial behavior such as stealing, fighting, destroying property, and harming people or animals
• Bipolar disorder, which includes depression as well as manic behavior
• Tourette syndrome, a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive muscle or vocal tics

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Prevention

To help reduce your child's risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder:

• During pregnancy, avoid anything that could harm fetal development. For example, don't drink alcohol, use recreational drugs or smoke cigarettes.
• Protect your child from exposure to pollutants and toxins, including cigarette smoke and lead paint (found in some old buildings).
• Limit screen time. Although still unproved, it may be prudent for children to avoid excessive exposure to TV and video games in the first five years of life.

If your child has ADHD, to help reduce problems or complications:

• Be consistent, set limits and have clear consequences for your child's behavior.
• Put together a daily routine for your child with clear expectations that include such things as bedtime, morning time, mealtime, simple chores and TV.
• Avoid multitasking yourself when talking with your child, make eye contact when giving instructions, and set aside a few minutes every day to praise your child.
• Work with teachers and caregivers to identify problems early, to decrease the impact of the condition on your child's life.

Alternative medicine

There's little research that indicates that alternative medicine treatments can reduce attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms. Before considering any alternative interventions, talk with your doctor to determine if the therapy is safe. Some alternative medicine treatments that have been tried, but are not yet fully proved scientifically, include:

• Yoga or meditation. Doing regular yoga routines or meditation and relaxation techniques may help children relax and learn discipline, which may help them manage their symptoms of ADHD.
• Special diets. Most diets promoted for ADHD involve eliminating foods thought to increase hyperactivity, such as sugar, and common allergens such as wheat, milk and eggs. Some diets recommend avoiding artificial food colorings and additives. So far, studies haven't found a consistent link between diet and improved symptoms of ADHD, though some anecdotal evidence suggests diet changes might make a difference. Caffeine use as a stimulant for children with ADHD can have risky effects and is not recommended.
• Vitamin or mineral supplements. While certain vitamins and minerals from foods are necessary for good health, there's no evidence that supplemental vitamins or minerals can reduce symptoms of ADHD. "Megadoses" of vitamins — doses that far exceed the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) — can be harmful.
• Herbal supplements. There is no evidence to suggest that herbal remedies help with ADHD, and some may be harmful.
• Proprietary formulations. These are products made from vitamins, micronutrients and other ingredients that are sold as possible treatment supplements for children with ADHD. These products have had little or no research and are exempt from Food and Drug Administration oversight, making them possibly ineffective or potentially harmful.
• Essential fatty acids. These fats, which include omega-3 oils, are necessary for the brain to function properly. Researchers are still investigating whether these may improve ADHD symptoms.
• Neurofeedback training. Also called electroencephalographic (EEG) biofeedback, in these sessions a child focuses on certain tasks while using a machine that shows brain wave patterns. The goal is to learn to keep brain wave patterns active in the front of the brain, improving symptoms of ADHD. More research is needed to see if this works.
• Exercise. In addition to its health benefits, regular exercise may have a positive effect on behavior in children with ADHD when added to treatment.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Lifestyle and home remedies

Because attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is complex and each person with ADHD is unique, it's hard to make recommendations that work for every child. But some of the following suggestions may help create an environment in which your child can succeed.

Children at home

• Show your child lots of affection. Children need to hear that they're loved and appreciated. Focusing only on the negative aspects of your child's behavior can harm your relationship and affect self-confidence and self-esteem. If your child has a hard time accepting verbal signs of affection, a smile, a pat on the shoulder or a hug can show you care. Look for behaviors for which you can compliment your child regularly.
• Take time to enjoy your child. Make an effort to accept and appreciate the parts of your child's personality that aren't so difficult. One of the best ways to do this is simply to spend time together. This should be a private time when no other children or adults interfere. Try to give your child more positive than negative attention every day.
• Find ways to improve self-esteem and a sense of discipline. Children with ADHD often do well with art projects, music or dance lessons, or martial arts classes, such as karate or tae kwon do. But don't force them into activities that are beyond their abilities. All children have special talents and interests that can be fostered. Small frequent successes help build self-esteem.
• Work on organization. Help your child organize and maintain a daily assignment notebook and be sure your child has a quiet place to study. Group objects in the child's room and store in clearly marked spaces. Try to help your child keep his or her environment organized and uncluttered.
• Use simple words and demonstrate when giving your child directions. Speak slowly and quietly and be very specific and concrete. Give one direction at a time. Stop and make eye contact with the child before and while you're giving directions.
• Try to keep a regular schedule for meals, naps and bedtime. Use a big calendar to mark special activities that will be coming up. Children with ADHD have a hard time accepting and adjusting to change. Avoid or at least warn children of sudden transitions from one activity to another.
• Make sure your child is rested. Try to keep your child from becoming overtired because fatigue often makes ADHD symptoms worse.
• Identify difficult situations. Try to avoid situations that are difficult for your child, such as sitting through long presentations or shopping in malls and stores where the array of merchandise can be overwhelming. Help your child learn social skills by recognizing or rewarding positive interactions with peers.
• Use timeouts or appropriate consequences for discipline. Timeouts should be relatively brief, but long enough for your child to regain control. Children can also be expected to accept the results of the choices they make. The idea is to interrupt and defuse out-of-control behavior.
• Be patient. Try to remain patient and calm when dealing with your child, even when your child is out of control. If you're calm, your child is more likely to model that behavior and become calm too.
• Keep things in perspective. Be realistic in your expectations for improvement — both your own and your child's. Keep your child's developmental stage in mind.
• Take a break yourself. If you're exhausted and stressed, you're a much less effective parent.

Children in school

• Ask about school programs. Schools are required by law to have a program to make sure children who have a disability that interferes with learning get the support they need. Your child may be eligible for additional services offered under federal laws: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These can include evaluation, curriculum adjustments, changes in classroom setup, modified teaching techniques, study skills instruction, use of computers, and increased collaboration between parents and teachers.
• Talk to your child's teachers. Stay in close communication with teachers and support their efforts to help your child in the classroom. Be sure teachers closely monitor your child's work, provide positive feedback, and are flexible and patient. Ask that they be very clear about their instructions and expectations.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Coping and support

Caring for a child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can be challenging for the whole family. Parents may be hurt by their child's behavior as well as by the way other people respond to it. The stress of dealing with ADHD can lead to marital conflict. These problems may be compounded by the financial burden that ADHD can place on families.

Siblings of a child with ADHD also may have special difficulties. They can be affected by a brother or sister who is demanding or aggressive, and they may also receive less attention because the child with ADHD requires so much of a parent's time.

Resources

Many resources are available, such as social services or support groups. Support groups often can provide helpful information about coping with ADHD. Ask your child's doctor if he or she knows of any support groups in your area.

There also are excellent books and guides for both parents and teachers, and Internet sites dealing exclusively with ADHD. But be careful of websites or other resources that focus on risky or unproved remedies or those that conflict with your health care team's recommendations.

Techniques for coping

Many parents notice patterns in their child's behavior as well as in their own responses to that behavior. Both you and your child may need to change behavior. But substituting new habits for old ones takes a lot of hard work. It's important to have realistic expectations. Set small goals for both yourself and your child and don't try to make a lot of changes all at once.

To help manage ADHD:

• Structure your child's life. Arrange things so that your child's life is as predictable, calm and organized as possible. Children with ADHD don't handle change well. Predictable routines can make them feel safe and help improve behavior. Give your child a few minutes warning — with a countdown — when it's necessary to change from one activity or location to another.
• Provide positive discipline. Start with firm, loving discipline that rewards good behavior and discourages destructive actions. Also, children with ADHD usually respond well to positive reinforcement, as long as it's earned. Rewarding or reinforcing a new good behavior every time it occurs can encourage new habits.
• Stay calm and set a good example. Act the way you want your child to act. Try to remain patient and in control — even when your child is out of control. If you speak quietly and calmly, your child is more likely to calm down too. Learning stress management techniques can help you deal with your own frustrations.
• Strive for healthy family relationships. The relationship among all family members plays a big part in managing or changing the behavior of a child with ADHD. Couples with a strong bond often find it easier to face parenting challenges than those whose bond isn't as strong. It's important for partners to take time to nurture their own relationship.
• Give yourself a break. Give yourself a break now and then. Don't feel guilty for spending a few hours apart from your child. You'll be a better parent if you're rested and relaxed. Don't hesitate to ask relatives and friends for help. Make sure that baby sitters or other caretakers are knowledgeable about ADHD and mature enough for the task.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors

Risk factors for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may include:

• Blood relatives, such as a parent or sibling, with ADHD or another mental health disorder
• Exposure to environmental toxins — such as lead, found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings
• Maternal drug use, alcohol use or smoking during pregnancy
• Premature birth

Although sugar is a popular suspect in causing hyperactivity, there's no reliable proof of this. Many issues in childhood can lead to difficulty sustaining attention, but that's not the same as ADHD.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com