What are common signs of ADD in children?

Hyperactivity: Kids with hyperactivity will be fidgety, squirmy, get up frequently to get up and walk around, run or climb when it is not appropriate, has difficulty playing quietly, always in a hurry to go, etc.

Impulsivity: For children with ADHD they will show signs of impulsivity like having a hard time to wait to talk, impatient in most situations, has a hard time waiting for their turn, blurts out comments, frequently interrupts, starts conversations at inappropriate times, etc.

Inattention: If you think your child might have ADD, you should pay attention to their inattention. If they lack staying focus, having a difficult time noticing details, trouble staying on topic when talking, can't listen to others, forgetful of daily activities, etc.

How can parents determine if their child has ADD or not?

If you as a parent have noticed any of the signs listed above, you can seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis. During the medical evaluation, a medical provider will check for behaviors that are not typical for the person’s age, has a negative impact on the person’s ability to function at home, in social situations, or in a workplace. It is recommended that you look for at least 6 signs of ADD for at least 6 months just to make sure it is not a temporary phase that your child is going through.

What options are available for treatment?

After a proper diagnosing of ADD, you will need to find the right treatment options. There are different approaches you can take to treat your child's ADD.

Most will use medication. There are two different types of medication categories: stimulation and non-stimulation.

Stimulation medication: According to Healthline, Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are the most commonly prescribed class of ADHD drugs. These drugs work by increasing the amounts of the brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. The effect improves your child’s concentration and helps them focus better.

Non-stimulation medication: Certain nonstimulant medications work by increasing levels of norepinephrine in your child’s brain. Norepinephrine is thought to help with attention and memory.

Therapy:

Psychotherapy- Will explore your child's behavior patterns to help them make future decisions and choices.

Behavior therapy- Will explore behaviors in response to certain situations and help to influence those behaviors appropriately.

Always remember, if your child does have ADD help is waiting with plenty of options.