Hi,

Welcome to my weekly newsletter series. In this newsletter series I will be posting articles dealing with issues that relate to children's sleeping habits, development and parenting. Feel free to forward this email on to any of your friends who may be interested in these articles.

---

The media has been inundated with information about ADHD, but there are still many misconceptions about it. First of all, what is it, and how do you know if your child has it?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The disorder itself has probably been around since the beginning of time, but the name and the diagnoses are relatively new in the field of psychology and medicine. Since it was recognized as a disorder with a formal name, many children and adults have been diagnosed with it.

Still, it's not as common as you might think. Approximately one in every 25 children has the disorder, which is only one or two in the average classroom. That's not a small number, but it isn't as prevalent as the media would sometimes have us believe.

Does Your Child Have ADHD?

Determining whether your child has ADHD can be a frustrating process. Until recently, it was diagnosed by therapists and psychiatrists based on behavior. Today, you can consult a physician for a brain scan that will determine absolutely whether or not your child has the disorder. You may have to search for a physician who knows how to do this, however.

Diagnosing ADHD solely based on behavior observation is tricky because the disorder manifests itself differently in each person, and there are many other possible diagnoses. Besides that, everyone exhibits the symptoms of ADHD at various times, especially children, who are moving through their various stages of development. It can be much too easy to assume a child has ADHD when he's simply going through a phase.

For example, the main symptoms of ADHD are:

* Hyperactivity – can't sit still for any period of time.

* Inability to concentrate or pay attention – easily distracted and forgetful.

* Difficulty with impulse control – little ability to restrain thoughts or feelings.

Does this sound like most children you know? Exactly! The difference between a normal child and a child with ADHD has more to do with how these symptoms affect the child's functioning than anything else. If these behaviors cause significant problems at school, at home, or in other environments, your child could have ADHD and could benefit from treatment.

It's important to note, however, that not everyone with ADHD exhibits all of these symptoms. Some children are simply quiet and spend their time daydreaming. Often, these children aren't diagnosed with the disorder because they're simply labeled as lacking motivation. Some kids may only display one of the symptoms. Again, ADHD is probably only indicated if the symptom creates serious ongoing problems for the child.

A psychiatrist or a psychotherapist can evaluate your child to determine if a brain scan makes sense. Someone who has studied child development can tell you if your child's behavior is appropriate for his age. When you consult someone, make sure they have experience diagnosing and treating ADHD in children. They will first need to rule out other possible diagnoses, which will also require a medical examination.

Problems that Mimic ADHD

Here are some other problems that could cause your child to display ADHD-like symptoms:

* A learning disability.

* A trauma in the family such as a divorce or death.

* Brain or ear dysfunctions.

* Sleep problems.

The professional you consult should interview your child, family members, and babysitters or teachers to find out more about how, when, where, how often, and how severe the symptoms are displayed. The frequency has a lot to do with the diagnosis, as does the length of time your child has had the symptoms. Your child may need to take some tests that will evaluate whether or not she has learning disabilities.

How is ADHD Treated?

There are many different treatments for ADHD, and if your child has been diagnosed, you will work with the doctors and therapists to create a treatment plan. Medications can help to keep the behaviors in check, but they can also cause side effects and allergic reactions. You may have to try a few different drugs before finding the one that helps your child to function better.

Some people opt to forego medication and try therapeutic treatment only. This is certainly something you can try, but studies show a combination of medication and therapy has worked best for the majority of kids. On the other hand, studies show that medication alone is not usually as effective as the combination of drugs and therapy. In fact, children with ADHD who go to therapy are often able to manage their behaviors better on lower doses of medication.

It's wise for parents to be concerned about children becoming dependent upon medications. While medications for ADHD are not generally addictive, most children have to continue taking them at least until adulthood, and about half continue through adulthood.

It's also important to note that many children with ADHD have other issues, such as depression or anxiety disorders, learning disabilities, and sometimes bipolar disorder. In fact, some children with bipolar disorder are incorrectly diagnosed with ADHD, and vice versa, while others have both. This is why you must find the best professionals you possibly can to evaluate your child. If your child is also bipolar or suffers from depression, the medication regimen will need to address both problems.

What Causes ADHD?

No one knows for certain what causes ADHD, but most scientists believe it's a genetic disorder. Some studies indicate a greater risk if a mother smoked or drank during pregnancy, but these studies are inconclusive, as are studies indicating dietary causes. Of course, feeding your child a proper diet is always a good idea. Any kid with ADHD who has food allergies or suffers from blood sugar ups and downs will only experience worse symptoms.

Interestingly, sleep deprivation can often mimic the symptoms of ADHD, and this should probably be the first thing you try if your child shows signs of the disorder. Toddlers need at least 12 hours of sleep per day, and school age children need at least 9 hours. Even one night with less sleep can cause significant problems for your child. If your son or daughter has recurrent sleep difficulties, getting treatment for that problem may eliminate the symptoms entirely, alleviating your worries about ADHD.

Tip of the Week: Living With ADHD

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, help him to be as organized as possible. Keep papers divided in folders for easy access. Give him a list of what he needs to bring home from school each day. Put a schedule on the kitchen wall, so that he can't forget important things. Work with the difficulties, and give your child every possibility to succeed. And to help YOU, join a support group. You may even find a support group for your child to be with other kids struggling with the same problems. It really helps to talk to others who are dealing with the same issues, and you may learn some useful tips to help you live well even with ADHD.

I hope you enjoyed this article.

Kind regards,

Janet Brownlee and the Sleepytime Secrets Team
Sleepytime Secrets - Making Bedtime A Breeze!

Home / 1 / 2