Does My Child Have ADD or ADHD?

Do you think that your child's behavioral problems may be caused by attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Our Ventura, CA, pediatricians, Dr. Kevin White and Dr. Stacey Lowen of Surfside Pediatrics, discuss the disorder and share common symptoms.

What are ADD and ADHD?

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes a chemical imbalance in the brain. Although the term ADD was used for years, it's been replaced in recent years by ADHD. ADHD encompasses several sub-categories of the disorder, including primarily inattentive, which some people still refer to as ADD. Other sub-types of ADHD include primarily hyperactive-impulsive and a form that combines both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

How can I tell if my child has the disorder?

The symptoms your child exhibits will vary depending on the type of ADHD but may include:

• Difficulty focusing on small details, which can lead to careless mistakes
• Boredom or trouble paying attention if lessons or activities aren't considered enjoyable
• Doesn't always respond to questions or requests due to daydreaming
• Trouble completing multi-step instructions, organizing work, or meeting deadlines
• Difficulty controlling impulses or taking turns with other children
• Failure to turn in homework, even it's complete
• Inability to stop fidgeting, which may make it difficult to stay seated at school
• Easily sidetracked when completing a task
• Loses homework, clothing, pencils, eyeglasses, and other essential objects
• Has difficulty playing quietly
• Interrupts conversations or talks over other people
• Trouble making friends and keeping them

What treatment options are available in Ventura for ADHD?

Because every child who has ADHD has different challenges, it's important to develop a treatment option that addresses your son or daughter's unique needs. Behavior and talk therapy can be very effective in helping your child control behavior that's considered inappropriate by other people.

Participation in a social skills group may be recommended if your child has trouble with relationships. During group sessions, your child will learn how to successfully interact with other children, recognize social cues and manage their emotions.

Medication might also be helpful, although it may be possible for your child to control his or her symptoms without medication, depending on the severity of the symptoms. Children who receive medication are closely monitored by our office to ensure that the drug prescribed works well and doesn't cause troubling side effects.

ADD and ADHD treatment can help your child manage his or her challenges. Call our Ventura, CA, pediatricians, Dr. White and Dr. Lowen of Surfside Pediatrics, at (805) 643-7500 to schedule an appointment.