Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder causes children and adults to have problems with poor attention, over activity, and poor impulse control.
ADHD has been studied for over a century with many previous names including "minimal brain dysfunction" and "attention deficit disorder." The scientific literature about this disorder is immense.
Symptoms | How a Child May Behave |
Inattention
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Hyperactivity
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Impulsivity
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Different Types of ADHD
There are 3 main types of ADHD.
- Inattentive (previously call attention deficit disorder or ADD)
- Their main symptoms are from attention, but they are not overly active.
Because they do not disrupt at school, their symptoms may not be noticed.
- Their main symptoms are from attention, but they are not overly active.
- Hyperactive/Impulsive
- Their main symptoms are from hyperactivity and impulsivity, but they can pay attention.
- Combined
- They have symptoms of all 3 types. This is the most common type of ADHD.
How to Treat ADHD
You can do a number of things to help ADHD:
- Educate your children and their family about ADHD
- Medicines (Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall)
- Work with the school to train the child to be more organized
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will the medications change my child's personality?
- No. The medications should help your child focus and help them take the time to make better decisions. It should not change their personality. If it does, be sure to talk to your doctor.
- Will the medications cause side effects?
- Some children experience side effects while taking the medications. The side effects depend on the medications. Possible ones include:
- Being less hungry
- Trouble sleeping
- Talk to your doctor about which side effects to watch for, and what to do if they happen.
- Some children experience side effects while taking the medications. The side effects depend on the medications. Possible ones include:
- Will the medications for ADHD cause problems for my child in the future?
- Research shows that these medications help protect the child over time. Children with ADHD who are treated with medications are more likely to make good decisions about drugs and alcohol when they are teenagers and adults.
- What about other or "alternative" treatments for ADHD?
- While options like supplements and special diets are popular, they have not been proven to help. They also have potential side effects. Please talk to your doctor before you start one of these treatments.
- Will my child ever outgrow ADHD? Will they always need to take medication?
- While some people do outgrow their ADHD, some still need medication as adults. The symptoms of ADHD often look different in adults and some people can find ways to adapt so they do not need medication.
Additional ADHD resources
Helpful Websites:
National Resource Center on ADHD
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/HyperActivity Disorder
National Institute of Mental Health
ADDitude - Strategies and Support for ADHD & LD
Tennessee Disability Coalition
National Center for Learning Disabilites
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - ADHD
5 Ways To Help Siblings Get Along
What We Know - Info Sheets on ADHD
Tennessee Department of Education - Special Education