Is It Really ADHD?

Not everyone who is overly hyperactive, inattentive, or impulsive has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Since most kids sometimes blurt out things they didn't mean to say, or jump from one task to another, or become disorganized and forgetful, how can specialists tell if the problem is ADHD? To assess whether a child has this particular diagnosis, specialists consider several critical questions.

What is Conduct Disorder?

Years of research show that the most troubling cases of conduct disorder begin in early childhood, often by the preschool years. In fact, some infants who are especially "fussy" are at risk for developing conduct disorder.

How You Can Help Your Child at Home If They Have ADHD

The first line of treatment for a child with ADHD is always seeking the help of a qualified physician or therapist. In addition to following the prescribed treatment plan, parents can help their child with ADHD maximize their comfort level and productivity at home by following these few simple suggestions.

Diagnosing ADHD in Children

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that becomes apparent in some children in the preschool and early school years. It's estimated that between 3 and 5 percent of children have ADHD, or approximately 2 million children in the United States. This means that in a classroom of 25 to 30 children, it is likely that at least one will have ADHD.

What Other Conditions Look Like ADHD?

When considering the diagnosis of ADHD in children, it is important to rule out other conditions that can look like it. Make sure your doctor has checked for all of these conditions before diagnosing your child.

For Those With ADHD, Brain Matures in a Normal Pattern But is Delayed Three Years in Some Regions

In youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the brain matures in a normal pattern but is delayed three years in some regions, on average, compared to youth without the disorder.

Use of ADHD Medication Has Been Holding Steady in Recent Years

The results of an extensive study indicate that the prevalence of stimulant use among U.S. children for treating symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) remained relatively constant between 1997 and 2002. The report appears in the April 2006 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.

Behavioral Interventions Reduce Symptoms for Pre-schoolers with ADHD

Two types of early interventions designed to reduce symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschoolers may be effective alternatives or additions to medication treatment.

Most Children's Improvement Following ADHD Treatment is Sustained

Outcome of a major follow-up study on children receiving treatment for ADHD is published in the August 2007 Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Discernible Brain Changes for Those With ADHD

A new study suggests that changes in the brain for those with ADHD might develop as a compensatory response that helps the child cope with the impatience and stimulus-seeking problems of the disorder.

Is Your Child Hyperactive--or Just Tired?

A recently published study suggests that many children thought to be hyperactive and perhaps having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may, in fact, just be overtired because of fitful sleeping or heavy snoring.

Charting the Prevalence of ADHD

Current estimates suggest 3% to 5% of school-age children have ADHD at any given time--figures based on a variety of sources of information. But many ADHD experts now conclude that 3% to 5% is on the low side and that it's reasonable to say a significantly larger number is affected during childhood.

Brain Shrinkage in ADHD Not Caused by Medications

A 10-year study by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) scientists has found that brains of children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are 3-4 percent smaller than those of children who don't have the disorder--and that medication treatment is not the cause.

New Study Unlocks Mysteries of Ritalin

Although doctors have been prescribing Ritalin for years to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, it’s been unclear exactly how the stimulant helps young people calm down and maintain focused attention. A new study appears to answer not only how the drug works, but also why the stimulant is not addictive when given to children.

10 Important Questions To Ask When Your Child Is Diagnosed With ADHD

If your child is newly diagnosed with ADHD, referring to this list of “10 Important Questions To Ask Your Mental Health Professional About ADHD” can help you address the various aspects of understanding necessary for tending to your child’s needs.