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Mercy Options Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults Steps to help yourself Do your best to remain active – Choose an activity you enjoy and make it part of your regular routine.

Myths Mental health is:

Avoid getting overwhelmed – Break larger tasks into smaller ones that you can accomplish.

MERCY OPTIONS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC-JANESVILLE

NOT Hopeless NOT Something to fear

Avoid being alone too much – Seek out family and friends you can talk to and who will listen.

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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC-WALWORTH

NOT Failure Go easy on yourself – Don’t expect too much, too fast. Treat yourself with kindness and respect.

Follow your doctor’s orders – Take your medication as prescribed, eat right and keep your appointments.

Follow through with therapy – Therapy and medication is by far more successful than medication alone.

NOT Something to be ashamed about NOT Something you have to go through alone NOT Something to leave untreated NOT Something that discriminates against age, race, social status, religion or sex

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ADHD in children Kids that can’t seem to sit still are often called rambunctious, busy, curious or high energy. They are also sometimes called naughty, careless, impolite, lazy or out of control. While all children display these behaviors at times, children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are especially prone to behaving in these ways every day and in all circumstances—at home, school, church and in playgroups. The behaviors can become so severe that they interfere with the child’s ability to live a normal life.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is a chronic condition of the brain that makes it difficult for children to control their behavior. It affects up to 12% of school-aged kids and boys are three times more likely to have it than girls.

Causes of ADHD Scientists are studying cause(s) and risk factors to find better ways to manage and reduce the chances of a person having ADHD. The cause(s) and risk factors for ADHD are unknown, but current research shows that genetics plays an important role. In addition, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including:

• Brain injury • Environmental exposures (e.g., lead) • Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy • Premature delivery • Low birth weight Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much TV, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family problems.

General signs of ADHD in children It is normal for children, at one time or another, to have trouble focusing and behaving. However, in children with ADHD, the symptoms continue instead of getting better, and they can make learning very difficult. A child with ADHD might: • Have a hard time paying attention and daydream a lot • Not seem to listen • Be easily distracted from schoolwork or play • Forget things • Be in constant motion or unable to stay seated • Squirm or fidget • Talk too much • Not be able to play quietly • Act and speak without thinking • Have trouble taking turns • Interrupt others

Diagnosing and treating ADHD in children Deciding if your child has ADHD is a several step process that might include a medical exam, hearing and vision tests, rating ADHD and taking a history of your child’s symptoms from parents, teachers, and sometimes, your child.

In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. Good treatment plans include close monitoring, follow-ups and changes as needed.

In order to make sure your child reaches his or her full potential, it is very important to get help for ADHD as early as possible.

ADHD in adults Research has shown that up to 70% of children with ADHD continue to have symptoms into adulthood. And many adults who have the disorder don’t know it.

Adults with ADHD may feel it is impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or remember and keep appointments. Daily tasks such as getting up in the morning, preparing to leave the house for work, arriving at work on time, and being productive on the job can be especially challenging for adults with ADHD.

Adults with ADHD may have a history of failure at school, problems at work, or difficult or failed relationships. Many have had multiple traffic accidents. They may seem restless and may try to do several things at once, most of them unsuccessfully. They also tend to prefer “quick fixes,” rather than taking the steps needed to achieve greater rewards.

Diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults Like children, adults who suspect they have ADHD should be evaluated by a licensed mental health professional. Professionals consider a wider range of symptoms when assessing adults for ADHD because their symptoms tend to be more varied and possibly not as clear-cut as symptoms seen in children.

To be diagnosed with the condition, an adult must have ADHD symptoms that began in childhood and continued throughout adulthood. The testing process is similar to that for children with suspected ADHD. Much like children with the disorder, adults with ADHD are treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of treatments.