Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is usually diagnosed in childhood and can last into adulthood. It is characterized by overactivity, impulsivity, and the inability to pay attention.

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, it can feel overwhelming. The good news is that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD can be treated effectively with behavioral therapy and medications. Educating yourself about the condition is the first step in understanding it and getting children with ADHD the help they need.

How Common Is ADHD in Children?

According to a 2022 national survey, approximately 7 million U.S. children aged 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD, which is an increase of 1 million children since 2016.

Boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls, and about 6 in 10 children have moderate to severe ADHD.

Learn how to recognize ADHD symptoms in women.

Common Symptoms of ADHD in Children

The three main ADHD symptoms are inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The following paragraphs describe how these symptoms can present in kids with ADHD.

Inattentiveness

Symptoms of inattention can include the following behaviors:

Careless mistakes in school
Trouble staying focused on tasks
Failure to listen when spoken to directly
Failure to finish tasks like homework
Failure to follow instructions
Trouble organizing
Dislike for tasks that require prolonged mental efforts
Easily distracted
Tendency to lose things
Forgetfulness

Hyperactivity & Impulsiveness

Hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms of ADHD can include:

Constant fidgeting or squirming
Inability to remain seated when expected
Restlessness (climbs or runs when inappropriate)
Always on the go
Inability to play quietly
Blurts out answers to questions before the person has finished speaking
Interrupts adult conversations or butts in on other children’s games
Has difficulty waiting his or her turn
Little or no sense of danger

What Are The Behaviors of Children With ADHD?

Behaviors of children with ADHD include inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Common scenarios in school, daily activities, and peer relationships where these behaviors can be problematic are described above.

It is worth noting that the occasional presence of some of the behaviors mentioned above does not automatically lead to an ADHD diagnosis. While the above lists provide a general overview of what ADHD may look like in everyday life, you should always rely on the advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a medical professional.

What Triggers Anger In ADHD?

Quickness to anger is a common hyperactive/impulsive ADHD symptom. Many things can trigger anger in adults and children with ADHD. Common anger triggers include:

Frustration related to difficulty focusing and completing tasks or schoolwork.
Sensory overstimulation (people with ADHD are more sensitive to sensory stimuli such as light, nose, and touch, which can overwhelm them and lead to anger or oppositional behavior).
Rejection and criticism can provoke problems with low self-esteem or anger in some people with ADHD.
Changes in routine can cause a person with ADHD to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or angry.

Save On Your Child's ADHD Medications

What Causes ADHD in Children?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, researchers have not identified an exact cause of ADHD but believe it is a combination of factors.

Genetic Influences

Many studies suggest that genetic influences play a significant role in the development of ADHD. The condition tends to run in families. But while many genes have been linked to ADHD, no single gene or genetic mutation has been identified as the cause.

Environmental Factors

Research suggests that it takes longer for the brains of people with ADHD to reach full maturity. Other environmental factors, such as lead exposure and brain injuries, are also being studied as potential causes of ADHD.

What Are The Risk Factors for ADHD?

Adults and children who are at risk of developing ADHD include those with:

A family history of ADHD (first-degree relatives, such as parents or siblings with ADHD).
Exposure to drugs, alcohol, or nicotine during pregnancy.
Premature birth, low birth weight.
Exposure to toxins such as lead (for example, in paints and pipes installed in old buildings).

How Is A Child Diagnosed with ADHD?

Screening Process

There is no single test to diagnose ADHD in children. Diagnosing a child with ADHD consists of several steps during the screening process. One of the steps in the screening process is ruling out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms as ADHD. Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, oppositional defiant disorder, and learning disabilities can often present a similar picture to ADHD.

Your child’s pediatrician or primary care physician may order vision and hearing tests to see if any problems here could explain the child’s behavior.

Once other mental health conditions have been ruled out, diagnosing ADHD consists of rating a checklist of symptoms based on information obtained from parents, the child’s school and teachers, other adults who care for the child, and the child themselves.

Doctors use the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) to make an accurate diagnosis of ADHD. At least six out of all the symptoms listed in DSM 5 must be present in younger children (five in adolescents above age 17) to say a child has ADHD.

Misdiagnoses: What Can Be Mistaken For ADHD?

As noted, an accurate diagnosis of ADHD involves ruling out other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression or substance abuse that can cause similar symptoms. In addition, your child’s healthcare provider will do vision and hearing tests to rule out problems there. Learning difficulties can also look like ADHD.

To prevent misdiagnosis, a healthcare provider may do psychological tests. They will look at various things while diagnosing ADHD, such as the presence of multiple symptoms before age 12 and the presence of symptoms in two or more settings (at home, school, and with friends and relatives).

Evaluation by a qualified mental health professional also includes determining to what extent the symptoms are interfering with a child’s ability to function in the classroom, at home, and socially.

Common Myths

Myth: Kids with ADHD can’t focus on anything.

Fact: Many children with ADHD often have trouble focusing, but if given an engaging task or preferred activity, most children with ADHD can direct their attention to that task.

Myth: If a child is not hyperactive, they don’t have ADHD.

Fact: Not all children with ADHD display hyperactivity. There are two presentations of ADHD - the hyperactive/impulsive and the inattentive. Children with the former are often fidgety and extremely active, in constant motion, with impulsive symptoms and disruptive behaviors. However, those with primarily inattentive symptoms of attention deficit disorder may not be overly active. Instead, a child with a predominantly inattentive presentation may be one who makes careless mistakes, displays extreme restlessness, or has difficulty focusing on tasks that require sustained effort.

How Do You Treat ADHD in Children?

ADHD in children is a treatable condition. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a combination of behavior therapy and medications to help your child. Meta-analysis and systematic review of dozens of studies has shown that early diagnosis and treatment with a combination of behavioral therapy and medications is the best approach to managing ADHD in children. Parent education and parent training are key components of effective treatment of children’s ADHD and managing core symptoms.

Behavioral Therapies

In preschool-aged children with ADHD who are under 6 years old, behavioral interventions are the first line of treatment. Behavior therapy to manage the child’s symptoms is usually tried before considering ADHD medications.

For children under 12 years old who have ADHD diagnosed, a combination of behavior therapy and medications is recommended to manage symptoms of ADHD. Behavioral therapy can teach parents the necessary skills to help a child succeed in the classroom, function well socially, and make life less stressful for everyone at home.

What Medications Are Used To Treat Children With ADHD?

Commonly prescribed medications used to treat the symptoms of ADHD are called psychostimulants (or stimulants). They work by balancing brain chemicals to help control impulses and maintain attention. Combining ADHD medication with psychotherapy can effectively control your child’s ADHD symptoms. Examples of stimulants and their side effects are briefly described below.

Methylphenidate

Methylphenidate (brand names Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate) is the most commonly prescribed ADHD medication. It can be given to kids over the age of 5, teenagers, and adults. Common side effects of methylphenidate include loss of appetite, increased heart rate and blood pressure, headache, stomach ache, mood swings, and trouble sleeping.

Dextroamphetamine

Another medication used for the treatment of ADHD is dextroamphetamine (brand name Dexedrine). A combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine (Adderall) is also available. Potential side effects of dextroamphetamine-amphetamine include reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and headaches.

Compare the benefits of Ritalin vs Adderall.

Lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine (brand name Vyvanse) is an ADHD medication that helps improve focus and reduce impulsive behavior. It is usually prescribed to children over the age of 5 and teenagers when methylphenidate has not helped after at least 6 weeks of treatment. In adults, lisdexamfetamine may be a first-choice ADHD medication. Potential side effects include decreased appetite, drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Check out “7 Drugs That Should Never Be Combined With Vyvanse.”

Non-stimulant drugs for ADHD

You should also talk to your child’s healthcare provider about the option of a non-stimulant medication for ADHD. Non-stimulant drugs may have fewer side effects but may not be as effective as stimulants. In some cases, non-stimulant medications are preferred, for example, if an adolescent has risk factors for substance use disorders and cannot be prescribed stimulants to have ADHD treated.

Atomoxetine (brand name Strattera) is a selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This medication is not a stimulant, and it works somewhat differently from other ADHD medications with benefits in mood symptoms. Possible side effects of atomoxetine include stomach ache, nausea, vomiting, increase in blood pressure and heart rate, trouble sleeping, irritability, and headache. Learn more about the pros and cons of Strattera.

Other examples of non-stimulant drugs for ADHD include:

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should seek medical advice for ADHD medication side effects if your child experiences any concerning symptoms such as:

Significant changes in appetite
Sleep problems
Increased irritability
Racing heart rate
Mood swings
Hallucinations
Stomach pain
Having thoughts of harming themselves or others

Also, call your child’s healthcare provider if they have any side effects that are severe or don't go away after a few days of starting the medication. Do not hesitate to contact your child’s doctor if you have any concerns about medication side effects.

Supporting a Child with ADHD

Here are some effective parenting strategies that can help children with ADHD:

Set clear expectations and routines:

Establish a consistent daily schedule.
Provide clear visual cues like charts or checklists to help the child with organization.
Break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.
Clearly communicate rules and consequences for behavior.

Offer positive reinforcement:

When your child does something good, praise the specific behaviors immediately.
Use a rewards system or points chart to incentivize positive actions.
Avoid focusing solely on the child’s negative behaviors.

Give simple Instructions:

Give short, direct commands with eye contact.
Avoid lengthy explanations or giving multiple instructions at once.
Repeat important information if needed.

Encourage physical activity:

Encourage regular exercise to help manage energy levels and improve focus.
Incorporate regular breaks during homework or focused activities.

Improve communication and understanding:

Talk openly about ADHD with your child, explaining that it's not their fault.
Listen actively to their concerns and frustrations.
Collaborate with your child to develop coping strategies.

Manage distractions:

Designate a quiet, organized space for homework or focused activities.
Limit distractions like excessive screen time.
Use devices such as noise-canceling headphones if needed.

Educational Strategies

Collaborate with your child’s school and communicate regularly with teachers about your child's ADHD. The goal should be to work together to develop appropriate accommodations in the home and school setting.

Coping and Social Skills

Coping mechanisms for ADHD include:

Regular physical activity.
Complementary health approaches such as mindfulness practices, meditation, and deep breathing.
Sensory tools such as fidget toys.
Setting clear routines and timers.
Taking breaks as needed.
Managing distractions.
Practicing active listening skills in social situations, maintaining eye contact, and taking turns speaking.
Being open about your child’s ADHD with others to seek understanding and support.

Long-Term Management and Follow-up

Seek professional help if you suspect your child may have ADHD. Consult a pediatrician or mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment options, including therapy and medication, if necessary.

If your child has received a diagnosis of ADHD, follow the healthcare provider’s treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments. Be patient and understanding. Children with ADHD often struggle with self-regulation, so remain calm and supportive.

My Child Has ADHD, Now What?

If your child has received an ADHD diagnosis, there are several resources available to you, both online and offline. You should try to learn as much as you can about the condition, including researching ADHD medications if you are considering them for your child.

In addition, you should set up a meeting with your child’s school and provide them with a copy of the report from the pediatrician or specialist. The school may perform its own evaluation and develop an individualized education plan (IEP) for your child.

It’s also important to talk to your child about the diagnosis and encourage them to ask for help.

Last but not least, you should be aware that kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are at higher risk of mental health issues, so you should be vigilant for signs and symptoms of emotional and behavioral disorders. Children’s ADHD is treatable. It is only a question of early detection and getting the right treatment at the right time.

Max’s Story

Max was diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) while he was still a kindergartener. Although he was an intelligent boy, he consistently had difficulty sustaining attention, following directions, and finishing tasks.

Max’s mother admits that when she first learned he had ADHD, she was worried. She did not know what it meant for his future. Would he struggle throughout life?

While the diagnosis of ADHD caused a great deal of disillusionment, the family experienced a flicker of hope when they met a psychologist at a children’s ADHD center. She taught Max coping and learning strategies that led to a remarkable transformation in his behavior. As a result, Max is now a thriving high-schooler who is looking forward to college.

In addition to working with a psychologist, Max was also evaluated by a child psychiatrist who specializes in treating children with ADHD. The physician helped the family understand specific medications for ADHD. Choosing the right medication alongside psychotherapy greatly helps manage Max’s ADHD symptoms. Consequently, Max was able to thrive and succeed at every stage of life.

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