Chances are you’ve heard of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. What you might not realize is how prevalent it is.
In fact, nearly 10% of children aged 6-11 and more than 13% of those aged 12-17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.
Boys are more likely to be diagnosed than girls because they are more likely to exhibit symptoms that adults recognize as ADHD.
Girls, on the other hand, are more likely to have internalized symptoms that can go undetected by adults and peers for years.
For this reason, it’s important to learn about both types of symptoms as well as determine what the best ADHD medication for child with anxiety may be.
Boys Display Externalized Symptoms
Boys are more likely to exhibit the externalized symptoms of ADHD. From a young age, they may have trouble sitting still to watch TV, listen to teachers, or even ride in the car safely.
They often interrupt when others are speaking because they have trouble waiting their turn and worry they’ll forget what they were going to say.
Boys are also more likely to blurt out answers to questions, sometimes even before the asker has finished his or her sentence. Other external symptoms may include playing too rough, keeping a messy room, or having to change tasks frequently.
Girls Display Internalized Symptoms
ADHD is not as easily recognized in girls because they are less likely to be physically hyperactive. That doesn’t mean their brains aren’t always in overdrive, though.
Girls who have ADHD are more likely to be distracted from the task at hand, daydream often, and have trouble concentrating on schoolwork, reading, or other activities.
Girls also tend to have more trouble following instructions, especially if they are only verbal. ADHD in girls may present as being disorganized, losing things often, forgetting obligations, and paying too much attention to the small details when they should be looking at the big picture.
Getting a Diagnosis For Your Child
ADHD is not curable, but it is treatable with the help of medication, therapy, and other methods. If you think your child may have ADHD, the first thing you should do is talk to their pediatrician or primary care provider.
A psychologist or psychiatrist can also diagnose ADHD. The professional will talk to you, your child, their teachers, and other adults in their life to determine how your son or daughter behaves in certain situations and whether there appear to be symptoms of ADHD. There are often cognitive tests as well, which help to determine how well your child concentrates.
If your child’s symptoms line up with the criteria in the DSM-5 for ADHD, treatment is the next step. This may include looking for stimulants or other medications like Adderall, using talk therapy to help your child process their emotions regarding the diagnosis, implementing an IEP in school that can provide your son or daughter with extra time to complete tasks, and more.
You, your child, and their healthcare providers can determine the best course of action for your unique situation.
ADHD may seem scary at first, but it’s actually quite manageable, especially when diagnosed early on. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment options, including Brillia medication side effects, to make the process easier for you all.
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Chibueze Uchegbu is a certified medical physiologist with a great passion for healthy living.