Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder comes as one of the most common mental health problems in children. The condition is characterized by children having problems socializing with others, academic and school related problems and emotional problems. As such, families with ADHD children suffer because of the problems associated with the condition.
Nevertheless, help is available to children with ADHD and their families. Here are some facts about the condition that every parent with ADHD child should know.
Quality of Life of Families with ADHD
A pan-European study conducted on the daily life of a child with ADHD and families with ADHD found that the majority of the parents experience consistent disruptive, demanding, impulsive, noisy and disorganized behavior from their children. They indicated that every day, children that took 12-hour medication can be quite difficult in the afternoon to early evening. Children that took 8-hour medication can be quite difficult from the afternoon to bedtime. The families also indicated despite their medication, the condition negatively impacts their homework, family routine and socialization with other children. The results of the study suggest that:
Medication alone does not control some of the most important issues of ADHD
A need for better treatment that includes behavior management for the condition
Profile of Children with ADHD
In another study conducted, children aged 6 to 18 years old; it was found that the children with ADHD may suffer from Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Minor Depression/Dysthymia, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The severity of these associated conditions varies from child to child. For example Depression/Dysthymia is usually present in the subtypes of the condition while Oppositional Defiant Disorder is more common in combined hyperactive and inattentive ADHD. Anything a parent can do in childhood to manage the condition helps lessen the effects of the more severe symptoms.
One of the possible reasons why medication may not be working as intended is because children with ADHD suffer from various related conditions that may be present in one but absent in another. In other words, unlike other diseases or conditions, ADHD has a set of unique symptoms for every child. A psychologist can offer suggestions in managing the behavior of an ADHD child without additional medication.
The Case of Over-diagnosis and Stimulants
One of the most illuminating studies conducted on ADHD is the Great Smokey Mountain study which found that among the children in the community studied, 6.2% have ADHD while 7.3% received stimulants. This means that even children who do not have the condition may be diagnosed as having ADHD and may be prescribed with stimulants. To avoid such misdiagnosis get the opinion of a child psychologist Edmonton. Psychologists prescribe behavior or cognitive modification rather than drugs.
If your child has ADHD, it is best to seek professional help to ensure that he is not over-diagnosed with medication.
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