Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Attention deficit (DEF-i-sit) hyperactivity (hi-per-ak-TIV-i-te) disorder, also called ADHD, is a common behavior problem seen in school-aged children. A child with ADHD is often hyperactive or impulsive. He cannot pay attention, is always on the move, and cannot control his actions most of the time. This behavior may affect your child's daily activities at home and in school. ADHD usually starts before your child is seven years of age and is more common among boys. A guide is used by caregivers to diagnose ADHD. The symptoms should last for at least six months for a diagnosis to be made.

Treatment of ADHD includes behavior therapy, medicines, or both. With proper treatment and care, your child's ADHD may be controlled and his quality of life improved.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your child's medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list and the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Give vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Call your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if your child is allergic to any medicine. Ask before you change or stop giving your child his medicines.
  
  
• Read the ingredient labels of all medicines that you give to your child: If your child is using medicine for other symptoms such as cough or cold, read the medicine labels carefully. Many of these medicines may also have ibuprofen or acetaminophen in them. Adding these medicines to the ibuprofen or acetaminophen that your child has already taken may cause him to get too much medicine. Taking too much ibuprofen or acetaminophen could harm your child.

Ask for more information about where and when to take your child for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services for your child, ask for information.

Working with your child:

• Be patient and keep your hopes up for improvement. Your child, like every child, has a lifetime to learn and grow. Treat your child as you would treat a child without a behavior problem. Always be the first one to encourage your child and boost his self-esteem. Work together as a family and give each other support. This will help during hard times.
  
  
• Be well informed about new treatments that may help. New treatments and therapies to help those with ADHD are always being developed. Some may make a big difference to your child's quality of life. Talk to your child's caregiver before trying any new therapy or medicine.
  
  
• Learn more about ADHD. The more you know about ADHD, the better you will be able to help yourself and your child. You may also teach people in your child's life about ADHD. Work with your child's teacher to help your child in school.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You and your child cannot make it to your next meeting with his caregiver.
  
  
• You feel you cannot help your child at home.
  
  
• Your child's ADHD prevents him from doing most of his daily activities.
  
  
• Your child has new symptoms since the last time he visited his caregiver.
  
  
• Your child's symptoms are getting worse.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's ADHD, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your child had a convulsion.
  
  
• Your child has trouble breathing, chest pains, or a fast heartbeat.
  
  
• Your child has hurt himself or someone else.
  
  
• You feel like hurting your child.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder In Children (Aftercare Instructions)