Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can take a huge toll on your child’s ability to thrive in school, in social settings, and even in family settings, and that means it can have a major effect on your child’s self-worth and self-confidence, too. Worse, without proper management, ADHD and its effects can last throughout your child’s lifetime.
Our team of providers at Nevada Pediatric Specialists offers comprehensive treatment for ADHD, helping your child manage their symptoms and feel better about themselves and their lives. The first step in treatment is diagnosing ADHD, and that begins by knowing the signs and symptoms it can cause.
ADHD is divided into three subtypes: predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, and a combined type that features symptoms of both.
No single test can diagnose ADHD; instead, it’s a diagnosis made through a medical evaluation and observations by medical professionals, parents, and even teachers. The American Psychiatric Association has guidelines to help practitioners diagnose ADHD, identifying signs and symptoms to look for.
A child who has this subtype has a lot of energy and may appear as though they have trouble sitting still. They may exhibit signs like:
These children have difficulty making or keeping friends, and they’re often viewed as being disruptive influences in the classroom, simply because it’s very difficult or impossible for them to control their energy or restlessness.
Kids with the inattentive subtype may appear to daydream a lot or to constantly be disorganized or late. These are some of the signs to look for:
These children may seem to struggle in school even though they demonstrate the ability to succeed and do well, simply because they’re unable to maintain focus for long periods of time.
For diagnosis of any subtype, your child must have had symptoms prior to turning 12, those symptoms must not be attributable to another psychiatric issue or behavioral problem, and the symptoms must have persisted for at least six months.
Once a diagnosis is made, our team works with you and your child to establish a management plan. Most children benefit from a combination of medication to address the unusual neurochemical responses associated with ADHD, combined with therapy to help your child modulate their behaviors and regain a sense of self-confidence.
The sooner you seek a diagnosis for your child’s symptoms, the sooner they can begin treatment — and the sooner they can feel better about themselves.
To learn more about ADHD treatment with our caring team, call 702-457-5437 or book an appointment online with Nevada Pediatric Specialists in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada.
