Should I be worried if my child has ADHD?

“Regardless of how experienced your pediatrician is,” says Barkley, “you should strongly consider a medical specialist if your child's ADHD is accompanied by another diagnosed disorder, such as oppositional behavior, a mood disorder, emotional problems, or learning disabilities, or if there are urgent issues involved, ...

Can a child with ADHD be normal?

Unfortunately, ADHD symptoms are often mistaken for emotional or disciplinary problems. As a result, children with ADHD may be labeled as unmotivated, or “bad kids.” This is far from the truth. ADHD is a brain disorder, and children aren't “misbehaving” on purpose.

Will my child with ADHD live a normal life?

With appropriate intervention, children with ADHD can lead normal lives.

Is ADHD something to worry about?

Health Risks

The core symptoms of ADHD, like impulsivity and inattention, might lead children to behave in ways that can put their health at risk or cause them to forget healthy and protective behaviors. Over time, if not addressed, these risks can lead to injury, disease, or even an earlier-than-expected death.

What happens if my child is diagnosed with ADHD?

Next steps

If the GP thinks your child may have ADHD, they may first suggest a period of "watchful waiting" – lasting around 10 weeks – to see if your child's symptoms improve, stay the same or get worse. They may also suggest starting a group-based, ADHD-focused parent training or education programme.

Expert Insights: What are some early signs of ADHD in children?

At what age is ADHD diagnosed the most?

What are the 3 main symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity. These symptoms usually occur together; however, one may occur without the other(s).

Should ADHD be taken seriously?

If you or your child has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it's important to seek treatment. If you think you or your child has ADHD but you haven't been diagnosed, ask a doctor for their opinion, in case treatment is needed. Untreated ADHD can cause problems throughout life.

How does a child with ADHD behave?

ADHD causes kids to be more inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive than is normal for their age. ADHD makes it harder for kids to develop the skills that control attention, behavior, emotions, and activity. As a result, they often act in ways that are hard for parents manage.

Is ADHD a serious diagnosis?

Yes, ADHD is a serious disorder. Although most ADHD people will be spared the worst of these outcomes, they must be considered by parents and patients when weighing the pros and cons of treatment options.

Can a child with ADHD be good at school?

School creates multiple challenges for children with attention deficit disorder, but with patience and an effective plan to overcome these obstacles, your child with ADD/ADHD can thrive in the classroom.

What age does ADHD usually go away?

Barkley, PhD. “Children diagnosed with ADHD are not likely to grow out of it. And while some children may recover fully from their disorder by age 21 or 27, the full disorder or at least significant symptoms and impairment persist in 50-86 percent of cases diagnosed in childhood.

Can ADHD get worse if untreated?

The negative consequences of untreated ADHD go beyond the inability to focus — some of the consequences can shape the course of your life. For example, you may be unable to maintain healthy relationships,, and succumb to anxiety and depression, all because of an untreated behavioral condition.

Do children with ADHD improve with age?

Sometimes ADHD was not recognised when someone was a child, and they are diagnosed later as an adult. The symptoms of ADHD usually improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.

Can a child grow out of being ADHD?

Do kids outgrow ADHD? No, but that doesn't mean the symptoms stay the same. And parents can help kids learn skills that will enable them manage symptoms effectively as they get older. In preschool and early grade school, kids with ADHD may have trouble sitting still and following directions.

Can a child with ADHD eventually overcome it?

Many children (perhaps as many as half) will outgrow their symptoms but others do not, so ADHD can affect a person into adulthood.

What triggers ADHD in children?

Risk factors for ADHD may include: Blood relatives, such as a parent or sibling, with ADHD or another mental health disorder. Exposure to environmental toxins — such as lead, found mainly in paint and pipes in older buildings. Maternal drug use, alcohol use or smoking during pregnancy.

What are kids with ADHD good at?

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder can make learning difficult, but it can also be very helpful in life. Many children with ADHD are inattentive, and unfocused, but they are also very creative, and capable of thinking outside-of-the-box which leads to ingenious ideas.

How do you calm a child with ADHD?

What are negatives to getting diagnosed with ADHD?

Is ADHD considered to be a disability?

Yes. Whether you view attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as neurological — affecting how the brain concentrates or thinks — or consider ADHD as a disability that impacts working, there is no question that the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers individuals with ADHD.

What happens if ADHD isn't treated?

A person does not “grow out of” ADHD, but learning management strategies can help them enjoy a full life. Without treatment, which may include medication, a person may experience low self-esteem, depression, and problems with school, work, and relationships.

What does mild ADHD look like?

They often fidget, squirm, and struggle to stay seated. Children often appear to act as if “driven by a motor” and run around excessively. People of all ages may talk non-stop, interrupt others, blurt out answers, and struggle with self-control.

How do doctors test for ADHD?

There is no single test used to diagnose ADHD. Experts diagnose ADHD when symptoms impact a person's ability to function and they've shown some or all of the symptoms on a regular basis for more than 6 months and in more than one setting.

What can trigger ADHD symptoms?