Dealing With ADHD Problems

Do you know that when children with ADHD are not treated, they may grow up with personality disorders, are very anti-social, have teen pregnancies, and suffer depression? Many studies have found these to be true. Thus, the aim of this article is to provide tips on what could be done to treat ADHD in children properly.

What can I do if I think that my kids may have ADHD?

Talk to your doctor about it. If he is not trained in ADHD and other behavioural disorders (most doctors are not), ask him to recommend an expert who could do an evaluation and prescribe treatment. Generally, child psychiarists have the most training in this field. The doctor will most definitely want to know the kid's behaviors when they are in school, at home, and in social environments. Hence, keep a good record of your kids behaviors under varying conditions and environments as it is needed to achieve an accurate diagnosis.

What causes ADHD?

After decades of research, scientists are still not able to pinpoint the exact cause/s of ADHD. But generally, they believe it is inherited and that it has something to do with the brain which is slightly different from normal kids. Often, you hear people say that bad parenting, watching too much television, consuming food additives, and video games can cause ADHD. All these are viewed by many experts as just myths. Take watching too much television as an example. How do you account for ADHD happening way before the invention of television.

What can I do to help my ADHD child?

Try to be "partners" with your child's teachers and doctors. Also, read up on ADHD as much as you can so that you will be able to make informed decisions. If you know of any ADHD support groups, try to join them as the exchange of tips, experiences and ideas can be of great help in coping with ADHD disorder.

What medications are normally used to treat ADHD ?

Some common medications prescribed for ADHD are methylphenidate (e.g. Ritalin and Concerta), dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine), atomoxetine (Strattera - which is a non-stimulant drug), and a combination drug (Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) called Adderall.

What can I do at home to help my ADHD kid?

Kids with ADHD are not handicapped children. In fact, many famous personalities, past and present, have ADHD and yet they managed to do wonders for mankind in many field. However, because the brain circuitry of ADHD kids are wired differently, they do need special care and attention all the time. These are some of the things which you can do for your kid at home:

* Routine, routines, routines. Kids with ADHD dislike surprises, so do make a schedule on what and when they are supposed to carry out certain tasks, such as doing homework, do chores, go to bed etc. However, if routines need to be altered, explain it clearly to the child way before the alteration takes place.

* Draw up simple house rules and paste it in areas which can be clearly seen. Among other things, the rules should stipulate what would happen if the rules are flouted, and what rewards would follow when it is obeyed.

* Be quick to reward good behavior, and be slow with criticisms.

* Compare notes with his or her teachers on what works at home or at school so that some kind of "fine tuning" in terms of education could be implemented.

* Keep the communication lines open. For example, in teaching children with ADHD, tell them what you like or want him to do.

Will my kids with ADHD outgrow it?

The answer is both yes and no. Based on available data, for every three ADHD kids, only one of them do outgrow it. Those who continue to have it normally still exhibit symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, but at less severe levels.