What Do You Know About ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder, affecting more than 4 million kids. Learn more about ADHD by taking this quiz, based on information from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
1. A child with ADHD may be hyperactive, inattentive, or both.
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ADHD is divided into three subtypes: symptoms of hyperactivity, symptoms of inattentiveness, or symptoms of both. Most children with ADHD have the subtype with the combined symptoms, the NIMH says.
2. All children are hyperactive or inattentive at times. For child to be diagnosed with ADHD, he or she must have one or both of these symptoms for at least six months.
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The behavior must also be more severe than the behavior of other children of the same age, the NIMH says. Symptoms of hyperactivity include fidgeting; talking nonstop; difficulty sitting still at mealtimes or at school; and difficulty doing quiet tasks. Symptoms of inattention include difficulty focusing on one thing; being easily distracted or daydreaming; difficulty following instructions or completing homework; and complaining of boredom after only a few minutes at a task.
3. ADHD often runs in families.
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Researchers are looking at several genes that may increase the likelihood of developing ADHD, because studies have shown that the disorder has a genetic link. Other factors that may be associated with developing ADHD include a woman's use of tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy and a youngster's exposure to lead.
4. A child whose diet includes lots of refined sugar has a threefold chance of developing ADHD than a child who eats only a little sugar.
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Although many parents believe that refined sugar causes ADHD, research has not backed this up, the NIMH says. Food additives are also often blamed as the cause of ADHD; more research is needed to confirm this, the NIMH says.
5. Children with ADHD may have other mental health issues.
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Two-thirds of children with ADHD have at least one other mental health or learning disorder, according to Parents Med Guide.org. Conditions that often coexist with ADHD include learning and language disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, and depression. These other disorders can make it more difficult to diagnose ADHD.
6. The most common type of medication used to treat ADHD is a stimulant.
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Stimulant medications reduce hyperactivity and impulsiveness, improve a child's ability to focus, and may help with coordination, the NIMH says. Medication choice depends on the individual child, because what works for one youngster may not work for another. Stimulants come in several varieties—short-acting, long-acted, and extended-release.
7. A child who must take medication for ADHD is more likely to become addicted to drugs.
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The National Institute on Drug Abuse says that children whose ADHD is treated with medication are less likely to have problems with substance abuse than children with ADHD who aren't treated. What is a concern, however, is the abuse of stimulants by children and teens who don't have ADHD. Stimulants may be abused to "get high" or to help stay awake longer to study. Stimulants are classified as Schedule II, or controlled medications, because of the potential for abuse.
8. Parenting skills training can help a parent better help a child with ADHD.
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Parents can learn how to use a system of rewards and consequences to change a child's behavior, the NIMH says. Through this system, a parent gives immediate and positive feedback for behavior that needs to be encouraged and ignores or redirects behavior that should be discouraged. Parents can also learn how to restructure a child's time or tasks so the youngster does not feel overwhelmed.
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