O Informationfrom Your Family Doctor

ADHD in Children
What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity • Constant restlessness
disorder (ADHD)? • Inability to play quietly
ADHD can cause three main behavioral • Blurting out answers at school
problems: hyperactivity, impulsivity, or • Problems waiting his or her turn
inattention. It’s unclear what causes ADHD, but
it may result from problems in the brain. How is it treated?
Many children with ADHD are prescribed a
How do I know if my child has it? stimulant medicine. Your child’s doctor may
Your child’s doctor can tell if your child has also prescribe other medicines. Behavioral
ADHD by talking to you, teachers, and others interventions, such as rewarding good behavior,
who know how your child behaves. The doctor are also effective.
can also figure out when the symptoms usually Changes in your child’s classroom may
occur and how bad they are. help improve ADHD symptoms. For example,
Inattention can cause these symptoms: moving your child closer to the front of the
• Problems following instructions room can limit distractions, and using charts
• Problems paying attention, being and checklists can help him or her stay on task.
distracted easily
• Forgetfulness Where can I get more information?
• Disorganization American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Problems planning ahead Web site: http://www.aacap.org
• Problems keeping track of things American Academy of Family Physicians
• Appearing not to listen to the teacher or Web site: http://familydoctor.org
caregiver American Academy of Pediatrics
Hyperactivity or impulsivity can cause these Web site: http://www.aap.org/parents.html
symptoms: Children and Adults with ADHD
• Interrupting others Web site: http://www.chadd.org

• Running or climbing at wrong times or Mental Health America

Web site: http://www.nmha.org/go/get-info/
places
• Talking too much

This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other
health-related information is available from the AAFP online at http://familydoctor.org.
This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this
information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Family
Physicians. Individuals may photocopy this material for their own personal reference, and physicians may photocopy for use
with their own patients. Written permission is required for all other uses, including electronic uses.

April 2009

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