FAQs about ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is a neurobehavioral disorder that affects about 10% of school-aged children, making it difficult for them to sit still, focus, and pay attention. For a diagnosis of ADHD, the troublesome behaviors must be ADHD in Raleigh, North Carolinasevere enough to interfere with their daily lives and activities on a long-term basis.

What causes ADHD?

ADHD is a biological condition whose origins are not yet clearly understood. Many kids with ADHD also have a relative with the disorder, suggesting that it may have a genetic component. Researchers are exploring both environmental and genetic risk factors.

Possible risk factors include:

  • Smoking during pregnancy
  • Premature delivery
  • Low birth weight
  • Brain injuries
  • Lead or pesticide exposure

What are the symptoms?

Here are the three types of ADHD and some of their associated symptoms:

1. Inattentive

  • Trouble listening
  • Difficulty paying attention during school or playtime activities
  • Tendency to make careless errors
  • Avoidance of mentally challenging tasks
  • Easily distractible
  • Excessive forgetfulness; loses things frequently
  • Organization problems

2. Hyperactive-Impulsive

  • Excessive fidgeting
  • Extreme need to be constantly physically active--running, jumping, climbing, etc.
  • Trouble staying seated or playing quietly
  • Excessive talking or tendency to interrupt
  • Difficulty waiting for their turn

3. Combined

This is the most common form of ADHD--a combination of behaviors from the two types above.

How do I know when it’s a problem?

It’s important to remember that the above symptoms are often considered normal behavior. For a diagnosis of ADHD, they must occur to such an extent that it interferes with their daily life.

Generally, the following conditions must be present:

  • Display behaviors from one of the three types before age 12
  • Behaviors are more severe than in other children of their age
  • Behaviors are constant and last for six months or more
  • Negatively affect at least two areas of a child’s life: family, school, childcare, play, etc.

Sometimes older children or even adults are diagnosed with ADHD for the first time. A complete evaluation is needed to determine whether ADHD is the cause of problematic behaviors.

Raleigh ADHD Treatment

Children with ADHD frequently need a combination of medication and behavioral therapy to help them interact with others more productively. If you suspect that your child is struggling to control their behavior more than other children of the same age, it's best to come in for an evaluation as soon as possible so they can get the help they need.

For Raleigh ADHD treatment, contact White Oak Pediatrics. Our qualified physicians will determine the best treatment plan to help improve your child's daily life. Request your appointment via our Patient Portal or call (919) 787-0266 to schedule your evaluation.

White Oak Pediatrics

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4414 Lake Boone Trail,
Suite 103,
Raleigh, NC 27607

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