ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a commonly misunderstood condition that affects millions of children in the United States. At Sunny Hill Pediatrics in Frisco, Texas, board-certified pediatrician Min Jung, MD, provides comprehensive care for those with ADHD that includes a thorough diagnosis and personalized treatment. Call the pediatric clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that makes concentration, attention, and sitting still for long periods difficult. While usually diagnosed during childhood, symptoms can continue through adulthood. ADHD can be frustrating for children and parents alike. Its symptoms often are mimicked by those of other conditions, like Anxiety, Depression, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Learning Disability, Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Determining whether your child truly has ADHD and diagnosing their specific type is essential to ensure they receive the appropriate support and treatment. 

What are the most common traits of ADHD?

ADHD isn’t one-size-fits-all. The symptoms your child experiences depend on their age, medical history, ADHD type, and several other factors. The three most common types of  ADHD are:

Predominantly inattentive/distractible
Inattention and difficult concentration are hallmark signs of inattentive/distractible ADHD. Symptoms typically include daydreaming, trouble following directions, and poor attention to detail.

Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive
While many people connect hyperactivity, trouble sitting still, and fidgeting to ADHD, it’s actually the least common type. Children with this type often interrupt others and struggle to sit for long periods.

Combined type
If your child shows a mixture of symptoms, they may have the combined type — the most common form of ADHD in children and adults.

What is the root cause of ADHD?

Many factors can increase your child’s risk of ADHD, including:

• Premature birth
• Smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy
• Low birth weight
• Genetics
• Brain injury
• Lead exposure during pregnancy

While the above factors can increase your child’s risk of developing this neurodevelopmental disorder, any child can have ADHD.

I think my child has ADHD. How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosing ADHD requires a complete medical history review and physical exam to rule out other medical conditions. Dr. Jung then may issue a questionnaire and may also ask for input from your child’s teachers and caregivers to better gauge their behavior in educational and social settings. He uses specific rating scales to accurately diagnose all types of ADHD.

What are the best treatments for ADHD in children?

Dr. Jung provides personalized treatments and referrals for ADHD that may include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Specialist referrals to treat other concomitant conditions
• Stimulant medications
• Non-stimulant medications
• Diet and lifestyle changes
• Parental guidance and education
• Home and school support

Dr. Jung can help you and your child navigate ADHD’s challenges. Call Sunny Hill Pediatrics today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.