Your bright child has trouble paying attention, daydreams in school and loses his homework on a daily basis. Could he have ADD? Attention deficit disorders are affecting more children than ever, but not every child with attention problems has one of these disorders, according to Michael Manos, Ph.D., head of the Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health at the Cleveland Clinic's Pediatric Institute.
Definition
Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, are neurobiological disorders that can affect children and adults, according to the nonprofit Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or CHADD. While ADHD refers to attention problems with hyperactivity, ADD typically means attention problems without hyperactivity. But as of 2010, ADHD is the official name for both disorders used by the American Psychiatric Association.
Prevalence
ADHD is thought to affect 3 to 7 percent of American children as of 2010, according to Manos. For unknown reasons, it is more common in boys than in girls. Almost twice as many boys as girls are diagnosed with attention deficit disorders, says Manos. The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, says that ADHD is one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood.
Identification
All children have attention and hyperactivity problems from time to time, but the AAP states that children with attention deficit disorders have frequent and severe problems that occur in more than one setting, such as in school, at home and in church, and continue for more than six months. These problems typically begin before age seven, according to the AAP.
Symptoms
The AAP states that a child with an attention deficit disorder may have one or more of the following symptoms: inattention characterized by daydreaming, losing things, being disorganized and having a hard time paying attention; hyperactivity characterized by squirming, difficulty staying seated, talking too much and being in constant motion; and impulsivity characterized by interrupting, being unable to wait, and acting or speaking without thinking.
Effects
Attention deficit disorders can cause learning and behavior problems for children due to their disruptive conduct and inability to pay attention in school. If the disorder goes undiagnosed and untreated, children can have long-term problems with school, work and relationships, as well as an increased risk of depression and anxiety, according to CHADD.
Solution
If you suspect your child may have ADD, ask your pediatrician to assess him for the disorder. Your pediatrician may refer you to a specialist in attention deficit disorders for a complete evaluation. The APP states that treatment may include medication, behavioral therapy, education and training to give parents the skills to deal with a child's attention deficit issues in a positive way.
References
- Michael Manos, Ph.D.; pediatric psychologist and head of the Cleveland Clinic's Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health; Cleveland, OH
- American Academy of Pediatrics: ADHD and Your School-Aged Child
- American Academy of Family Physicians: What Parents Should Know About ADHD
- CHADD: What Is AD/HD?
- American Academy of Pediatrics: ADHD Basics
