ADHD can cause disruption in relationships, poor academic performance at school, frequent injuries, non-acceptance by peers, and a lack of self-esteem. Symptoms may reduce with age for most people, but can affect daily functioning in a major way. With early diagnosis and treatment, individuals can learn to manage symptoms and live a normal life.

Diagnosis Of ADHD
While most normal children tend to show signs of inattention or hyperactivity sometimes, it is escalated and more frequent in the case of children with the disorder. If symptoms are present for over six months and the behavior is interrupting a child’s relationships at home and at school, it is best to consult a doctor.

A diagnosis of ADHD is made after gathering data on medical records and an individual’s family history. Doctors may also undertake psychological testing to determine the specific brain profile of a person. Psychological testing can help with academic and workplace adjustments and help determine the course of action that needs to be taken to help with daily activities.

A primary care provider is often the first to make a diagnosis. While a physician will be able to provide an initial diagnosis, they may not have the expertise and experience to treat severe cases of the disorder and often refer an individual to a psychologist or psychiatrist for long-term treatment for the disorder.

Treatment Of ADHD
Early treatment and help children deal with the symptoms, its effects, and management of the disorder in adulthood. Treatment includes a combination of medication and therapy. For children below the age of six, therapy is the first recommended treatment option.

The most common course of medication for ADHD is prescribing stimulants which help with enhancing and balancing the neurotransmitters in the brain. Medication such as amphetamines or methylphenidates can help in reducing symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity in a short period of time. However, it’s important to first check with the doctor about the medication’s side effects as the use of stimulants has been shown to increase risk in individuals with existing heart conditions. Other medications that are prescribed include atomoxetine and antidepressants like bupropion, although these may have longer to come into effect. It is important to take the right dosage of medication, especially for children, to prevent unnecessary complications.

Therapy helps to focus on modifying a child’s behavior at home, at school, and in social settings by providing special education, counseling, and training. Parents are also equipped with skills on how to manage the disorder. Family therapy can help with learning methods to deal with the stress of having a child or sibling who struggles with ADHD.

Support and care
As each child living with ADHD is unique, support from family and friends is extremely essential to help with the management of symptoms. Parents are encouraged to take steps such as be more affectionate toward their child, spend time together, appreciate good behavior, be patient with your child, work on planning daily tasks, avoid situations and places that can overwhelm the child, and discover what your child enjoys such as art, music or martial arts and encourage him or her to pursue it.

Plenty of resources are available to help out parents and caregivers. There are support groups all over the country for adults living with ADHD or parents of children who have this condition. As ADHD is recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act, schools and workplaces are required to make special provisions for individuals. With a better partnership between parents and teachers, children with this disorder can get the appropriate support and care that they need.