ADD/ADHD
The term ADD/ADHD might ring a bell based on how often the term is used and often many times it is done so loosely. The question is what does the term ADD/ADHD really mean? Childhood ADD/ADHD is the inability to pay attention, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity.
Childhood ADD/ADHD has been highlighted by statistics to represent 9.4% of children in the United States, this is a total of approximately 6.1 million of the population.
Childhood ADD/ADHD can be easily overlooked and regarded as a child being a child, but this is not accurate.
Here we will highlight what is Childhood ADD/ADHD, the difference between them, signs, and the treatment options.
Understanding and Differentiating Childhood ADD/ADHD?
Childhood Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Childhood Attention Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is not merely defined by a child who acts out of control and is unable to be calmed, instead it is marked by specific signs and symptoms that differentiate them.
Childhood Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is usually diagnosed only if a child is under the age sixteen with at least six or more signs of inattention. Other signs include easily being distracted, avoidance of mental related tasks like homework, difficulty staying on task whether at school or home, signs of forgetfulness, clumsy, doesn’t follow instructions and tends to lose things easily.
Childhood Attention Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) on the other hand is characterized by bursts of energy with consistent movement that ends in possible problems. This too is diagnosed in a child under the age of sixteen who has been hyperactive or impulsive for six months or more.
Common ADHD signs include:
However, there is an inattentive of ADHD that is not as noticeable. The inattentive ADHD child displays the inability to follow instructions, poor performance in school and having disagreements with other children who don’t play in accordance with the guidelines.
Childhood ADHD/ADD with Anxiety
Thought Anxiety and ADHD/ADD are separate conditions they can sometimes exist together. Statistics shows that 3 in 10 children who are diagnosed with ADHD/ADD also display signs of anxiety.
Along with the symptoms expressed above for ADHD/ADD, a child who has anxiety will also struggle with regulating their emotions and become overwhelmed with consistent feelings of worry and fear. The spend much time ruminating, experience sleep disturbance and increased irritability and arguments. They may also withdraw from peers and refuse to go to school.
Other mental illnesses other than anxiety than can exist with childhood ADHD/ADD include depression, learning disabilities, and obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD. When assessed by a professional if there are any apparent signs of these other mental illnesses you will be notified and your child will be treated accordingly.
When to seek Help
A parent whose child is exhibiting the above expressed symptoms of childhood ADHD/ADD with the main ones being hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention for more than six months should seek help from a mental health professional.
Childhood ADHD/ADD Treatment
Childhood ADHD/ADD treatment options are normally characterized with behavior therapy, counseling, and medications. However, depending on the mental health professional the treatment processes might defer accordingly.
Psychologist for children: These professionals diagnose ADHD/ADD through testing and provide talk therapy.
Psychiatrist for children: These professionals diagnose ADHD/ADD and prescribe medications.
Therapist: These professionals provide therapeutic support through cognitive behavioral therapy for the ADHD/ADD child. This may also extend to helping the child to set goals, assist them with forming techniques to succeed in school and encourage the family in assisting from home in the process.
Final Thoughts
Childhood ADHD/ADD is often characterized by three main aspects hyperactivity, inactivity, and impulsiveness. Childhood ADHD/ADD can sometimes be coupled with anxiety with signs of rumination leading to worry and fear.
It always best to seek professional help once these signs are noticed which will provide exact diagnosis as it relates to your child and the treatment process that should follow.
