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.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

RISKS:

Treatment for ADHD may cause unwanted side effects. Some medicines may cause your child to have sleeping problems, headache, abdominal (belly) pain, and convulsions. Other side effects include loss of appetite, vomiting (throwing up), irritability, and unusual changes in behavior. If left untreated, your child's behavior may get worse and he may also develop other serious problems. These include alcohol or drug use, depression, and problems with his mood, friendships, and relationships. He may have a poor image of himself or may get more out of control at home or in school. With ADHD, your child may even have thoughts of harming himself or others. Ask your child's caregivers if you are worried or have questions about your child's condition, medicine, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.

Emotional support:

Stay with your child for comfort and support as often as possible while he is in the hospital. Ask another family member or someone close to the family to stay with your child when you cannot be there. Bring items from home that will comfort your child, such as a favorite blanket or toy.

IV:

An IV is a small tube placed in your child's vein. Caregivers use the IV to give your child medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

Your child may have any of the following:

• Non-stimulants: Caregivers may suggest any of the following medicines to help your child control his behavior:
  
  
  • Anti-depressants: These medicines are given to decrease or prevent the symptoms of depression. It can also be used to treat other behavior problems.
    
    
  • Blood pressure medicines: These medicines are usually used to control high blood pressure. They may also be used to help decrease motor tics (uncontrolled movements). Blood pressure medicines may help your child feel calmer, more focused, and less irritable. It may be given by mouth or as a sticky patch put on your child's skin.
    
    
  • Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor: This class of medicine, also called SNRI, works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a natural substance in the brain that is needed to control behavior. Ask your child' s caregiver for more information on SNRI.
  
  
• Stimulants: These medicines are given to help your child pay attention, concentrate better, and help improve his energy.

Tests:

Your child may need any of the following:

• 12 Lead EKG: This test helps caregivers see your child's heart activity. It helps caregivers look for changes or problems in different areas of the heart. Sticky pads are placed on your child's chest, arms, and legs. Each pad has a wire that is hooked to a machine or TV-like screen. This machine shows a tracing of your child's heartbeat. This test takes about five to ten minutes. Your child must lie very still during the test.
  
  
• Blood and urine tests: Samples of your child's blood or urine are collected and sent to a lab for tests.

Treatment options:

Your child may need any of the following:

• Behavior therapy: With a therapist, your child will learn how to control his actions and improve his behavior. This is done by teaching him how to change his behavior by looking at the results of his actions. He may learn that certain behaviors have good or bad results. These results may make him feel either good or bad about himself. Good behaviors will be rewarded and encouraged, while unwanted or bad behaviors will be discouraged. Ask your child's caregiver for more information about behavior therapy.
  
  
• Psychotherapy: This is also called talk therapy. These talks are usually in a series of meetings. Meetings or talks may be held for you, your child, and your family. These meetings can help everyone better understand ADHD. Your caregiver may also include your child's teachers or people that are close to him during these talks.

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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.

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