My Child Has Been Diagnosed With ADHD: What Does That Mean?

Believe it or not, if you have a child with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), getting a diagnosis can be the most challenging part for many parents. Once you know what is going on with your child, you can start learning how to deal with it. Here is what you can expect and where to turn for help and support.

Symptoms of ADHD in children

NIMH or National Institute for Mental Health has found that ADHD is one of the most diagnosed disorders in children. In fact, close to 10% of children from three to 17 have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. 

Many parents think the only way to tell if their child has ADHD is if they are constantly running around screaming and acting out, but this is not the case. Some children can be quiet and calm sometimes but may tap their feet or fingers, while others are hyper all the time.

A call from the school

The first sign that your child may have ADHD could be a call from their teacher in preschool or kindergarten. We get used to our child’s behaviors and may think they are just energetic and will grow out of it. Teachers are better at noticing it because they do not see your child all the time. Some of the signs of ADHD in children include:

• Trouble sustaining attention in tasks
• Talking too much
• Constant restlessness and moving around
• Making a lot of mistakes due to carelessness or rushing
• Often cannot find things like shoes, socks, toys, etc.
• Very impulsive behavior
• Does not think before they speak
• Forgetful and distracted
• Disrupts others often
• Cannot follow orders or instructions
• Constantly moving feet, hands, or any other part of their body
• Lacks organizational skills
• Gets in trouble in school often
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions
• Cannot play well by themselves

What is predominantly inattentive ADHD?

Predominantly inattentive ADHD or ADHD PI is a type of ADHD that is hard to spot for both parents and teachers. It used to be called attention deficit disorder or ADD, which is ADHD without hyperactivity. Children who are calmer and more withdrawn than others usually are not considered for ADHD, which is why ADHD PI is so often misdiagnosed. However, they are still forgetful, procrastinate, and have short attention spans. Being inattentive alone is not typically noticed because most children have short attention spans. But if they continue to have this issue even after they start school, it may be a good idea to talk to a professional.

Risks or causes of ADHD

Although it is still unclear exactly what causes ADHD, many studies have been done to find patterns and trends of the disorder. It appears to have a genetic component, so if your first grader has it, his younger brother may also have it. Some of the issues that may contribute to ADHD are:

• Boys are three times as likely as girls to have ADHD
• Children with a sibling who has ADHD is five times more likely to have it
• Any kind of exposure to pollution or other toxins such as chemicals or heavy metals
• Premature birth and/or low birth weight
• Having a neurological condition
• Not getting proper nutrients as an infant (trouble with breastfeeding)
• Exposure to drugs or alcohol during pregnancy

Treatments for children with ADHD

Although there is no cure for ADHD, many treatments for ADHD are available. Depending on how old your child is when they are diagnosed, the treatment plan may vary, and it may change as they grow older. The most common treatments include medication with stimulant or non-stimulant drugs, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and psychotherapy (talk therapy).

Medication treatment

One of the most common ADHD treatments used is medication. The ADHD medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity in young children with ADHD as well as older kids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 70 and 80% of children with ADHD treated with stimulant medications respond very well. Medication is the most common treatment for ADHD in both children and adults, but they do come with possible side effects that parents may balk at, such as:

• Addiction
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• GI upset
• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Raised blood pressure
• Twitches or tics
• personality changes

Some non-stimulant medications for ADHD are helpful as well, but they tend to take a longer time to work than the others. These are often given to children who cannot tolerate stimulant drugs you may have already tried. Alternatively, they may be given in conjunction with a stimulant drug if it is not working as well. Although these drugs are not addictive, they also have side effects, including the following:

• Feeling foggy or unfocused
• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Headaches

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Another treatment for ADHD is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT with medication or alone. CBT is a common form of treatment for various disorders and is typically done with a licensed therapist, counselor, or psychologist. CBT was initially used to treat depression but was found to help anxiety and many other types of mental health conditions.

CBT works by teaching your child skills to modify their behavior by changing their thought patterns. It helps to change cognitive behaviors and distortions by helping them learn to control their emotions. The primary thought process is that all humans have three core beliefs: self, others, and the future. The phases of treatment include:

• Psychological assessment
• Reconceptualization
• Skills acquisition
• Skills consolidation
• Application training
• Generalization
• Maintenance
• Post-treatment follow up

The most important phase is the first one, where the therapist can identify the behaviors that are causing ADHD. They will determine whether these behaviors are deficits or excesses, obtain a baseline, and attempt to decrease or increase the behaviors as needed. It typically takes six to 18 sessions if you prefer face-to-face therapy, but online treatment is also an option.

Can an adult with ADHD learn to cope?

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) supports the treatment of ADHD in adults and claims it is similar or the same as kids with ADHD. Medication and therapy can do wonders for getting your life back on track if you have ADHD. While drugs can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, therapy can help you learn to make your ADHD work for you instead of against you.

The bottom line

If you have a child with ADHD or you are an adult with ADHD, online therapy can help you cope with the day-to-day challenges you’re facing and make a plan to keep moving forward. When you sign up for online treatment, you’re matched with a vetted, professional counselor who can start helping you right away. You don’t have to worry about being on a waiting list for an appointment, and since you attend sessions from the comfort of your home, there’s no commute. You can talk to your therapist via text, email, phone, online chat, and/or video chat, whichever works best for you. Research shows that online therapy is effective, too, with one review of 14 studies concluding online treatment is just as effective as in-person. If you’re ready to learn more, sign up with Regain to get started.

Takeaway

Once your child is diagnosed with ADHD, they can begin treatment and work toward learning how to manage the condition. If you’re an adult with ADHD or raising a child with it, online therapy can help you manage the challenges ahead.