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Parents may be distressed to receive a note from school saying that their child won't listen to the teacher or causes trouble in class. One possible reason for this kind of behavior is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Even though the child with ADHD often wants to be a good student, the impulsive behavior and inability to pay proper attention in class interfere. Teachers, parents, and friends know that the child is "misbehaving" or "different," but they might not be able to tell exactly what is wrong. A professional trained to deal with these problems can diagnose and treat the child with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.
The hyperactivity symptoms in ADHD may include excessive running or climbing in young children or extremely restless and fidgety behavior in older children. In contrast to a normal high level of activity in some children, hyperactivity is haphazard, poorly organized, and not goal- directed. ADHD is 10 times more common in boys than in girls.
A child who has ADHD shows several of the following characteristics:
- has difficulty organizing work and gives the impression that he or she has not heard instructions
- is easily distracted
- makes careless, impulsive errors
- frequently calls out in class
- has difficulty awaiting his or her turn in group situations
- fails to follow through on parents' requests
- is unable to play games for the same amount of time as other children of the same age.
Without proper treatment, the child may fall behind in schoolwork and friendships may suffer because of poor cooperation in playing and other social activities. Self- esteem suffers because the child experiences more failure than success and is criticized by teachers and family who do not recognize a health problem.
Research clearly documents that medication can be helpful and that medication prescribed for ADHD works best as part of a comprehensive plan of treatment including ongoing professional evaluation. Medical psychotherapy for the child, help for the family, and consultation with teachers is often part of the plan as well.
If a child shows behavior problems like those of ADHD, parents may consult their pediatrician or family physician, who may diagnose and treat the child for this illness or may make a referral to a child and adolescent psychiatrist. With professional help, parents can learn how to cope with their child's problem. In addition, teachers and school officials can often be helped to work out ways to teach children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder more effectively.
Developed by the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
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