In addition to primary pediatric care through well and sick visits, the physicians at HealthPark Pediatrics specialize in the treatment and management of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is defined as a developmental disorder that affects the behavior, attention and learning of children. It is the most common neurobehavioral disorder in childhood, affecting an estimated 1 in 10 school-aged children. When undiagnosed, untreated or not treated appropriately, ADHD can detrimentally affect a child’s academic performance, social interactions and general well-being.
Signs and Symptoms
Children with ADHD often find a lot of difficulty with common tasks like paying attention, sitting still and self-control. It is common for most people to experience such symptoms at various points in their lives, but for children affected by ADHD, the symptoms are long lasting and disrupt daily life.
Common symptoms of ADHD include:
- Trouble at school and with social relationships
- Frequent difficulty paying attention or focusing on specific tasks
- Easily distracted, forgetful, and prone to losing things
- Difficulty staying organized and seeing tasks to completion
- Impulsivity
- Problems staying still—squirming, excessive fidgeting, etc.
- Trouble remaining quiet and being disruptive to others
- Difficulty staying in lines or waiting turns
The symptoms of ADHD may be similar to those of other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, making evaluation by a licensed healthcare professional important to determining the most effective treatment plan.
Diagnosis and Treatment
HealthPark Pediatrics follows the recommended guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.
Children ages 5 and older who display one or more of the above symptoms of ADHD will be thoroughly evaluated by one of our pediatric providers. Evaluation generally consists of an interview with the parents and child, a physical exam of the child, and behavioral checklists completed by the child’s parents and teacher(s). Lab work is typically not needed, but may be ordered if your provider deems necessary.
Upon diagnosis, the goal of treatment is to help affected children attain a higher level of academic and personal development. At HealthPark Pediatrics, our providers are knowledgeable about all of the treatment options for ADHD including the variety of medications available.
We will work with each family to develop a treatment plan that everyone is comfortable with and works best for the patient. Your pediatrician will closely monitor your child’s response to treatment with input from the family in order to make adjustments as needed.
Schedule an Appointment
Have more questions about ADHD in children? HealthPark Pediatrics serves patients in Raleigh and the greater Triangle area. Call 919-896-7066 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online.
