Understanding ADD and ADHD

How your pediatricians in Ventura, CA, can help with ADD and ADHD

ADD and ADHD are common developmental disorders which may go undiagnosed. The signs and symptoms of ADD and ADHD can mimic normal childhood behaviors, including boundary testing and demonstrating independence. Your pediatrician is an expert at diagnosis and treatment of ADD and ADHD and can help. The pediatricians of Surfside Pediatrics in Ventura, CA, provide comprehensive children’s medical care, including testing and treatment of ADD and ADHD.

ADD is attention deficit disorder. ADHD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and it has many of the same signs and symptoms, with the addition of a hyperactive component. Both are neurodevelopmental disorders.

These are some of the signs and symptoms of ADD, according to the Child Development Institute:

• Difficulty focusing on details
• Difficulty listening and following directions
• Disorganization and losing things
• Distraction and forgetfulness

ADHD has many of the same signs and symptoms, with the addition of hyperactivity behaviors like these:

• Frequent squirming and fidgeting
• Chronic hand and foot movements
• Problems remaining still
• Running when it’s not appropriate
• Frequent excessive talking

If you notice any of the signs or symptoms listed above, you need to schedule an appointment with your pediatrician for ADD and ADHD evaluation and assessment.

Undiagnosed and untreated ADD and ADHD can cause problems when your child becomes a teen and an adult. Consequences of untreated ADD and ADHD include:

• Problems with school performance, poor grades, and delayed learning
• Demonstrating behavioral problems including aggression, violence, bullying, and belligerence
• Difficulty making and keeping friends, and problems establishing healthy relationships
• Poor work performance, not completing tasks or projects, and difficulty working with others

If your child is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, your pediatrician may recommend several types of treatment, including:

• Behavioral counseling, to reduce inappropriate behaviors
• Lifestyle counseling, including dietary and exercise modifications
• Medication therapy, to improve the way the brain functions, sharpen focus, and enhance the ability to concentrate

If you are worried your child might have ADD or ADHD, your pediatrician can help. To find out more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment of ADD and ADHD, call Dr. Lowen and Dr. Winston, or Melissa Wilkey, NP of Surfside Pediatrics in Ventura, CA, at (805) 643-7500. Call now.