5 Signs Your Child Could Be Suffering from ADHD

Most of our children go through phases where they don't listen or have trouble focusing. They may also project defiance or act out. You may think your child is just being difficult. However, there is a chance they may actually have a disorder called ADHD, also known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

If you suspect your child may have this problem, the doctors at Carolina Wellness Psychiatry have extensive experience diagnosing and treating ADHD. They can help you understand the signs and symptoms and how to effectively manage and treat them.

What symptoms should you look for?

ADHD can affect children of any age, but it is usually diagnosed between the time they start school and the age of seven. That’s because this is when they may begin to exhibit noticeable symptoms.

You may notice that they act out particularly when they are dealing with organizational skills or anything requiring explicit attention, as these are especially difficult areas for children with ADHD.

There are many signs and symptoms that encompass this disorder. There are some specific signs you can look for in your child's behavior that may indicate that they have ADHD and that they should be checked by our physicians. Six common signs to watch for if you suspect ADHD include: 

1. Not listening, even when you’re speaking directly to them 
2. Being very easily distracted 
3. Constantly moving and unable to sit still
4. Difficulty waiting their turn in various activities
5. Trouble concentrating or finishing homework or anything that requires mental effort
6. Difficulty with time management

Most children exhibit one or more of these symptoms, but that doesn't always mean they have ADHD. Three primary characteristics of this disorder include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. If your child exhibits any of these along with the above signs and symptoms, it may be time to make an appointment with our physicians to get them screened.

So your child has ADHD — now what?

The prospect of having a child with ADHD may feel overwhelming, but we can help you learn to manage their condition. During the consultation, the doctor will perform an assessment, and with the findings we’ll form a treatment plan. This may include getting their teachers involved and making modifications to the classroom setting, as well as interventions to deal with outburst behavior.

Our team may recommend medications to help tame your child's symptoms. We might prescribe a stimulant medication, which helps calm their behavior by acting on certain neurotransmitters in the brain.

We may also recommend behavioral therapy to help both you and your child deal with this disorder. This involves learning strategies to better deal with difficult situations that you may encounter.

Dealing with ADHD isn't easy for you or your child. However, we at Carolina Wellness Psychiatry are committed to helping you cope with the effects of this disorder.

To get more information and get started on a treatment plan, call the staff at Carolina Wellness Psychiatry at 919-446-3232 or book an appointment with us online today.