ADHD Treatment

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, is one of the most common behavioral disorders in children. The condition can also be highly disruptive, affecting your child’s ability to focus in school, and to complete tasks at home.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a behavioral and developmental disorder that should be treated by a pediatrician.

The Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

It can be difficult for a parent to distinguish between normal behaviors like demonstrating independence, from behavioral and developmental symptoms like frequently not paying attention. According to the Child Development Institute, some of the most common signs and symptoms of ADHD include:

• Having difficulty staying still for long periods
• Frequently fidgeting or squirming around
• Having difficulty getting and staying organized
• Often losing or forgetting things
• Frequently not listening or following directions
• Having difficulty paying attention to details
• Excessively talking or blurting out comments
• Running or climbing at inappropriate times

The Consequences of Untreated ADHD 

If ADHD is left untreated, problems can progress as your child grows older. Some of the consequences of untreated ADHD include:

• Difficulty learning, resulting in poor grades
• Poor performance at school or work
• Destructive, aggressive behaviors
• Problems forming friendships
• Problems having relationships
• Severe mood swings and depression
• Sleep disorders and insomnia

How Our Pediatrician Can Help with ADHD

Our pediatrician may recommend a combination of treatments to help your child. An ADHD treatment plan often includes:

• Medication therapy, to improve brain function, enhance the ability to concentrate, and increase self-control
• Behavioral therapy with both child and parents, focusing on education and tools and techniques to limit inappropriate behaviors
• Dietary modifications, including increasing vitamin and nutrient intake and decreasing sugar intake
• Lifestyle modifications including increasing exercise and forming healthy habits

Want To Know More?

To discover more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of ADHD, and how our pediatrician can help, call Dr. Steven Schiz and Dr. Sona Mehra at Children’s Medical Group of Greenwich, in Greenwich, CT. You can reach them in the office by calling (203) 661-2440, so call today.