Learning About ADHD in Children - May 1, 2001

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An article on this topic is available in this issue of AFP.

Learning About ADHD in Children

What is ADHD?

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a common health problem in children. Children with ADHD are hyperactive--they can't sit still. They are also impulsive and easily distracted. They have trouble coping at school and at home.

Some people think ADHD is caused by bad parenting or by eating too much sugar. The truth is, we still do not know the real cause of ADHD. We do know that it is a problem in the brain. We also know that ADHD can run in families. ADHD often gets in the way of learning and keeps the child from doing well in school.

What should I look for in my child?

Some signs of ADHD are listed in the box below. There are other things to look for, too. Children with ADHD may be very aggressive. They may pull hair, pinch or hit. They may have temper tantrums. Almost all children who have ADHD show some signs of the problem before they are 7 years old.

Things to Look for if You Think Your Child Has ADHD

Lack of attention

Doesn't pay close attention to details

Has trouble paying attention

Doesn't seem to listen when spoken to

Fails to finish tasks

Has difficulty organizing tasks

Avoids tasks that need a lot of effort

Often loses things needed for home or school

Is easily distracted

Is often forgetful

Hyperactivity

Often fidgets or squirms when sitting

Can't stay in seat

Runs about or climbs when he or she shouldn't

Can't play quietly

Always "on the go"

Talks too much

Blurts out answers

Can't wait his or her turn

Often interrupts others

What if I think my child has ADHD?

If you are worried that your child has ADHD, you can talk to your child's teacher at school or day care. Ask this person if your child has a short attention span or is hard to control. A child has to show signs of ADHD in at least two places (such as school and home) to get a diagnosis of ADHD. In addition, the signs have to last for at least six months.

How can my doctor tell if my child has ADHD?

Your doctor will ask you about your child's behavior problems. The more details you can give about your child, the easier it will be for your doctor to decide. You might also have a psychologist do some tests. Here are some questions your doctor might ask you:

How well does your child get along with brothers and sisters, schoolmates and other children?

Does your child have trouble getting schoolwork done? or jobs at home?

What can I do to help my child with ADHD?

You can do many things that will make life easier for you and your child with ADHD. Your doctor will give you advice to help your child study, control behavior and have better self-esteem. There are also some medicines that may help your child concentrate better. The best results come when parents, doctors and teachers work together to make a special plan for the child, at home and at school.

Where can I get more information about ADHD?

The National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
P.O. Box 1492
Washington, DC 20013-1492
Telephone: 1-800-695-0285
Web site: http://www.nichcy.org

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
8181 Professional Place, Suite 201
Landover, MD 20785
Telephone: 1-800-233-4050
Web site: http://www.chadd.org

This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, talk to your family doctor.

Visit familydoctor.org for information on this and many other health-related topics.

Copyright © 2001 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for nonprofit educational uses. Written permission is required for all other uses, including electronic uses.

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