Blog 2 - Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Medication and Children.

 

When it comes to mental illnesses and disorders in children and adolescents the earlier that a disorder or illness is detected and the sooner treatment is started the more effective it can be (NIMH, 2019). Although early treatment and detection is very important for the best possible treatment, it can be hard to diagnose children as it can be difficult to determine if certain behaviors are disorders or just a part of a child's normal development (NIMH, 2019). If a child's behavior does start to affect their everyday home and school life and interferes with friendships it is best to contact a healthcare provider (NIMH, 2019). In terms of children and adolescents it is important to have them undergo an Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder assessment if they struggle academically or have recently began experiencing a decline in grades, if they find themselves in constant motion and have trouble sitting still or quietly and if they become uninterested in playing with other children or have difficulty making friends (NIMH, 2019). The following link is a great resource for ADHD parents or concerned parents; https://www.mentalhealth.gov/talk/parents-caregivers.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined as a disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development (NIMH, 2019). ADHD falls into three different categories; inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. An individual with inattention finds great difficulty in maintaining concentration or persisting with a task and often disorganized, none of which is due to defiance or lack of comprehension (NIMH, 2019). Someone with hyperactivity moves about constantly and excessively fidgets even in inappropriate situations (NIMH, 2019). Impulsivity will cause an individual to make hasty or irrational decisions in the spur of the moment that have the potential to cause harm (NIMH, 2019). Amongst preschoolers the most common symptom of ADHD is hyperactivity (NIMH, 2019). It is normal for preschoolers and other children to have some inattention, fidgeting and or impulsivity but when an individual has ADHD these behaviors are more severe, occur often and can interfere with quality of life (NIMH, 2019). 

When choosing a course of treatment for a child or adolescent with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder there are many courses of action, the predominant two being psychotherapy and medication (NIMH, 2016). The treatment should always be based off an individuals needs and medical situation (NIMH, 2016). When seeking medication or administering medication for a child with ADHD it is important to keep up to date with the FDA page for any warnings, medication guides or newly approved medications (NIMH, 2016). Many of the medications that are prescribed to children and adolescents for ADHD are safe and effective but some medications may have dangerous side effects so it is important to closely monitor how the medications affect a child (NIMH, 2016). It is also important that medication be taken in conjunction with other treatments such as psychotherapy and behavioral management techniques to ensure that a child is receiving effective treatment (NIMH, 2016). Stimulant medications that are used to increase alertness, attention and energy for individuals with ADHD include; Methylphenidate, Amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate (NIMH, 2016). When it comes to medicating a child it is common for them to be tried on non stimulant drugs before resorting to stimulant (NIMH, 2016). Although they may sound scary these medications have a calming effect on ADHD individuals and are safe if given under the supervision of a doctor (NIMH, 2016). There are, however, possible side effects that are; difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, stomach pain and headache (NIMH, 2016). Less common but more dangerous side effects include; Motor or verbal tics and or personality changes, doctors should be notified immediately if this occurs (NIMH, 2016). 

Citations

NIMH. (2019, September). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml.

NIMH. (2019, May). Child and Adolescent Mental Health. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/index.shtml.

NIMH. (2016, October). Mental Health Medications. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml.