Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) refers to a chronic, bio-behavioral disorder that develops in childhood. ADHD is identified through problems of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and/or inattention and has been linked to difficulty with academics, emotions, and social functioning. Roughly, 6.4 million children are diagnosed with ADHD, making it one of the most common and fastest growing childhood disorders. While the disorder can’t be cured, it can be successfully managed. Successfully managing ADHD encourages healthy development and prevents issues from furthering into adulthood.
Over the last ten years, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder rates have increased 42% in American youth. Men have been diagnosed with one of the three forms of ADHD three times more often than women, but only 15% of the population ever knows they have the disorder. Left undiagnosed, the disorder can create problems later in life such as relationship troubles, trouble at work, and forgetfulness. While ADHD does not have a cure, it is manageable. Talk to your doctor for a treatment plan that may consist of therapy methods or medication. With proper management, it is possible to lead a successful life with ADHD.
The medical community recognizes three forms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
| Primarily Inattentive |
Primarily Hyperactive-Impulsive |
Combined |
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| Strengths |
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| Myth | Fact |
| There’s no such thing as ADHD | ADHD affects 11% of schoolchildren and has risen 42% over the last 10 years |
| All kids with ADHD are hyperactive | Some children are hyperactive, but some children are inattentive with no hyperactivity |
| Children will grow out of ADHD | ADHD can continue into adulthood and become a lifelong issue |
| Children with ADHD lack intelligence | Many children with ADHD are highly intelligent |
| Children with ADHD are just disobedient | Children with ADHD do not intentionally misbehave. They try their best to behave but often lack control over their actions. |
While 6% of the entire population is affected by ADHD, less than 2% receive treatment. Left untreated, it may lead to other conditions:
ADHD has increased 42% in teens over the last 10 years. A survey conducted among teens with the disorder found:
Children with ADHD were more likely to get in trouble and require medical treatment than children without. Children were also:
40%-50% of children struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will have symptoms persist into adulthood but only 15% are aware they have the disorder. Adults with persisting issues often experience these symptoms:
About 4%, or 10 million, American adults regularly deal with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but only 25% of adults receive treatment.
One in five American children diagnosed with ADHD have not received medicine or mental health counseling for their disorder. If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, medication and non-medication based treatments are available.
| DO | DON’T |
| Create Structure Simple tasks like having your child lay out their clothes or establishing rituals can create structure. Structure can prevent over-activity by creating routine and establishing positive expectations around activities. |
Don’t Let your Child or Their ADHD Take Control As the parent, you decide acceptable behavior in your home. Your child’s ADHD is no excuse for unacceptable behavior. You are the parent, and you establish the rules. |
| Limit Distractions ADHD makes it easy to become distracted. Regulate television, smart phone, and computer usage to decrease the risk of impulsive behavior. Increase engaging, outdoor activities to provide an outlet for your child’s built up energy. |
Don’t Get Overwhelmed While not visible, ADHD is a disability and should be treated as such. When you feel angry or frustrated, remember your child can’t simply “snap out of it.” Be patient and understand there’s only so much your child can control. |
| Break Tasks Into Pieces Children with ADHD may be forgetful. Consider using a wall calendar to remind a child of their duties. Color coding can prevent your child from becoming overwhelmed and encourage completion of tasks. If your child is struggling with duties, have them focus on small parts of bigger tasks. |
Don’t Worry about the Small Stuff If a child with ADHD completed the majority of a task, don’t push for the other portion to be completed. Everything will be a learning process, and small steps make all the difference. |
Medication for the disorder can help.
Medication is available in short, intermediate, and long-acting forms with variations on dosage and frequency. For more information about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication, visit your family doctor or pediatrician. If medication is necessary, they will determine the needed prescription, dose, and frequency.
While medication is an effective method of managing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, other methods as suggested by a doctor may also work for some people.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder does not have to prevent a successful or productive life. Many successful people share this diagnosis:
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will look to their parents for reassurance. Talk to your child’s physician to find the right treatment plan and stand by with love, care and affection. Once a plan is in place, take small steps to manage the disorder. With proper management, your child can lead a successful life.
As with all treatment options, we recommend consulting a health care professional before using information contained in this article. This guide is intended to be solely information in nature and not as medical advice.