When to See a Doctor
Take your child to the doctor immediately if he or she shows symptoms of ADHD, namely difficulty concentrating and hyperactive or impulsive behavior.
ADHD symptoms are often difficult to distinguish from normal child behavior. Therefore, parents should consult a doctor if they feel their child is exhibiting unusual behavior.
Children with ADHD also need to be checked regularly by a doctor. That way, the disease, symptoms, and response to treatment can be continuously monitored.
ADHD Diagnosis
Children who have difficulty concentrating and are hyperactive do not necessarily have ADHD. The same goes for teenagers. Although they may seem to not listen to conversations, behave impulsively, and are easily distracted, they do not necessarily have ADHD.
ADHD is often undiagnosed, because parents assume the symptoms that appear are normal behavior. Therefore, it is important for parents to recognize the symptoms of ADHD, as well as how they differ from normal behavior in children.
Diagnosing ADHD requires collaboration from multiple parties. A pediatrician and psychiatrist will perform physical and psychological examinations on the child, family and teachers at the child’s school. The purpose of these interviews and examinations is to:
- Diagnosing whether a child has ADHD
- Knowing the severity of ADHD suffered by the child
- Detecting the possibility of other diseases causing similar symptoms
- Knowing about other mental disorders in children
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor will perform supporting examinations in the form of a complete blood count , liver function test, thyroid function test, and brain MRI .
ADHD Treatment
ADHD cannot be completely cured. However, medications and therapy can relieve the symptoms that arise so that sufferers can carry out their daily activities normally.
Here are some methods for dealing with ADHD:
Drugs
A common medication given for pADHD is m ethylphenidate . This medication works by balancing the levels of chemicals in the brain. This way, ADHD symptoms can be relieved.
Methylphenidate is safe for children to take, but doctors will still monitor patients for side effects, such as heart problems. If a child experiences these side effects or is at high risk of experiencing them, the doctor will prescribe other medications, such as:
- Atomoxetine
- Amitriptyline
- Alpha agonist drugs, for example clonidine
Psychotherapy
In addition to treating ADHD, psychotherapy is also useful for treating other mental disorders that accompany ADHD, such as depression .
The types of psychotherapy that may be an option are:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy ( CBT )
Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to help patients change their thought patterns and behavior when facing certain problems or situations. - Psychoeducational therapy
Patients will be invited to share their stories in this therapy, for example their difficulties in dealing with symptoms. From this therapy, it is hoped that patients can find the most appropriate way to deal with these symptoms. - Social interaction therapy
This type of therapy can help patients understand appropriate social behavior in certain situations.
Parents, families, teachers, and caregivers also need guidance to be able to accompany patients. Although special education options are available, such as homeschooling , not all cases of children with ADHD can apply them. Therefore, it is necessary to provide special training programs for parents and teachers who will carry out learning programs. The materials taught in the training include:
- How to apply praise to encourage children
- How to punish children when they behave badly or are rude
- How to direct children’s activities according to their abilities.
To help children control ADHD symptoms, parents can also implement a healthy lifestyle for their children, such as:
- Get used to a healthy and balanced diet
- Make sure your child gets enough sleep and rest
- Limit children’s time watching television, playing video games , and using cell phones or computers.
- Invite children to do physical activity for at least 60 minutes every day
Although it cannot be cured, early diagnosis and proper treatment can help sufferers adapt to their condition and carry out daily activities normally.
It should be noted that treating ADHD requires readiness and commitment in terms of time, emotions, and finances.
ADHD Complications
People with untreated ADHD may experience the following conditions:
- Difficulty focusing on studying in class so that academic achievement declines
- Problems in interacting with peers and the surrounding environment
- The risks of consuming alcoholic beverages and abusing drugs as adults
- Risk of injury when performing daily activities
- Feeling inferior
According to several studies, ADHD sufferers are also at risk of experiencing other mental disorders, such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Bipolar disorder
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- Sindrom Tourette
Source :
Mayo Clinic (2019). Diseases & Conditions. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children.
Angel, T. Healthline (2021). Everything to Know About ADHD.