Addressing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children

By: Stephanie Johnson

Does your child have trouble paying attention at home or school? Does he or she exhibit impulsive behaviors? He or she may have a disorder known as Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) formerly known as ADD. ADHD is a chronic condition that affects adults and approximately 5-8% of school age children (NRC, 2009).
Signs and symptoms include excessive talking, difficulty paying attention, losing things, easily distracted, running about or climbing excessively, blurting out answers before question completed, and difficulty remaining seated (NRC, 2009). Children with ADHD tend to perform poorly in school or may be perceived as a nuisance or abnormal.
Primary interventions are focused on educating the public especially caregivers, educators, and families about the disease eliminating the “bad child” stigma that is attached to the condition. Early recognition and diagnosis with parents’ awareness of social disruptions, poor performance in school, and depression may prevent drop out and strained relationships early.
Secondary interventions are aimed at coping with and treating the disorder. ADHD workshops at behavioral health centers offer help with peer adjustment, behavior difficulties, and social and family relationships. Continued parent/child education, behavior management techniques, and stimulant medications are elements of the comprehensive treatment plan (NRC, 2009). The most common stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are Concerta, Adderall and Ritalin. These medications are effective in lessening symptoms and dose adjustments may be necessary.
Tertiary interventions include emotional support for parents, caregivers. The diagnosis of ADHD causes some parents to have feelings of guilt or shame (Clark, 2008).ADHD is chronic and 1/3 of people outgrow the symptoms (NRC). Working with a mental health practitioner, community nurse, ongoing education and support groups aid in maximizing full mental health abilities while attaining a healthy level of well being.

References
National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC).Retrieved from http://www.help4adhd.org/en/about/what.
Clark, M.J. (2008). Community Health Nursing: Adovcacy for Population Health.(5th ed.) Upper Saddler River, New Jersey:Prentice Hall

Note: This blog post reflects the work of Stephanie Johnson RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.