ADHD -- Children with the Disorder Can Shine

If the approach of the upcoming school year has you dreading the challenges your child faces of sitting still, paying attention, organizing tasks, completing school work, getting along with classmates and other expectations, you may want to have your child evaluated for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

ADHD is a chronic biological condition that, if not properly treated, can cause a child to have long-term problems in school performance, job success, as well as social and emotional development. ADHD also can have a profound disruptive impact on family life. The good news is that there are ways to manage this condition that will bring out the best in the child and lead family members to a closer relationship.

Determining True ADHD

The first challenge parents face is getting a proper diagnosis, and the best place to start is a pediatrician's office. "Many pediatricians today have taken full advantage of the wealth of scientific research data to educate themselves on ADHD so we can successfully diagnose and treat this disorder," says Randy Sterkel, MD, a St. Louis Children's Hospital pediatrician.

To make an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Sterkel first sends parents home with a comprehensive questionnaire and rating scale that probes for symptoms. He also sends a similar questionnaire to the child's teachers. The questionnaire follows the guidelines established by the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) for determining a diagnosis of ADHD. "Before a diagnosis is made, we must assess whether the child has had these symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness in two or more settings, such as home, school, church, and other social encounters. Generally, if six or more of the following symptoms have existed for at least six months and have damaged a child's ability to develop normally, a pediatrician may consider ADHD treatment:

Inattention

Hyperactivity

• often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
• often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
• often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate
• often has difficulty playing quietly
• is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
• often talks excessively

Impulsivity

• often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• often has difficulty awaiting turn
• often interrupts or intrudes on others