You might’ve heard the term ADHD or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. It used to be called ADD or attention-deficit disorder. It might be one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. According to the Central Disease for Control and Prevention (CDC) it is found in up to 10% of school-aged children.
It is hard for people with ADHD to pay attention. They are often hyperactive and/or impulsive. In children, this can look like a child who daydreams a lot or forgets or loses things easily. They may talk too much in class or has difficulty getting along with others. This can lead to poor grades, low self-esteem or even depression and anxiety.
The exact causes of ADHD are unknown. Scientists have found that certain chemical messengers less available in certain areas of the brain in children with ADHD. They are called dopamine and norepinephrine.
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ADHD is not caused by eating too much sugar, screen time, or parenting. The CDC estimates 6 million (6.8%) children between the ages of 3 -17 years have been diagnosed with ADHD since 2016. Non-Hispanic Black children (16.9%) were more likely than non-Hispanic White (14.7%) or Hispanic (11.9%) children to be diagnosed with ADHD.
How is it diagnosed?
Brain imaging or blood work is not used to diagnose ADHD. Pediatricians can diagnose ADHD by using special surveys. One of the most used surveys is called the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale. It requires adults from two different settings to fill out the forms.
Most often, one form is given to the parent and one to the teacher. The results of these surveys with a detailed medical history is often enough for a pediatrician to diagnose ADHD.
What can be done?
Every child is different. That means their treatment will be tailored to them. However, there has been research in this topic that helps pediatricians make a treatment plan. Medication is very effective for most children aged 6 years or older. For younger children, we try not to start with medications.
Behavior therapies like parent trainings are used a lot. Often, both medication and behavior therapies are used at the same time. Also, schools should make an environment that allows children with ADHD to thrive.
What medication is available?
There are three different categories of medications that have been approved by the FDA for ADHD. These include stimulants, nonstimulants, and second-line nonstimulants. Stimulants are the most effective. They are the medications most often prescribed by pediatricians. There are two types of stimulants. Amphetamines such as Adderall and methylphenidate such as Ritalin. These medications work by improving the chemical messengers in the brain.
Those are dopamine and norepinephrine. By making them more available, they improve how brain cells talk to each other. These medications usually need to be taken daily.
What should I look out for if my child is going to take medication for ADHD?
Research shows ADHD symptoms are about only half as bad after starting medications. The most common side effects are weight loss, sleep issues, headaches, or stomach aches. Your pediatrician will be monitoring for any side effects.
Reduce side effects might require a medication change. It could be the dose of medication, the timing, or switching to another type.
A very rare side effects of stimulant medication is it can worsen heart problems. Your pediatrician will ask about any personal or family history of heart problems before starting any stimulants.
You might have heard that using stimulants at a young age may increase the risk for substance use later in life. Research has shown that this is not true! Children with ADHD who have early and long-term treatment with stimulant medications actually have lower risk of substance use later in life.
If you believe that your child may have ADHD, it would be beneficial to discuss your concerns with your child’s pediatrician or mental health specialist. More information can be found online at the CDC or American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry ADHD Resource Center.
Resources:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
References
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db358.htm
