The presence of some symptoms, however, does not confirm a diagnosis of ADHD.   Just because a child has a lot of energy or difficulty paying attention in school does not mean the child has ADHD.  An accurate diagnosis relies on the presence of a range of symptoms and difficulties that prevent the child from performing at an appropriate level for his or her age and intelligence level.  Teachers often first observe these issues, and their input should be considered seriously.

How Does ADHD Affect School and Social Life?
Symptoms of ADHD - such as trouble sitting still, paying attention to details, and listening - can make school difficult for a child with ADHD.  Although most children with ADHD have normal or above-normal intelligence, 40 to 60 percent have serious learning difficulties.  Many others have specific problems with schoolwork or maintaining good grades, and face particular challenges with assignments and tests that require focused attention or lengthy writing, or have time limits.  On a social level, children with ADHD often have trouble developing meaningful relationships with peers and family members.  Other children may find it frustrating to play with a child who has ADHD, because classic symptoms include difficulty following rules, waiting one’s turn, or excessive talking.

What Other Disorders Commonly Occur With ADHD?
Children and adolescents with ADHD are more likely than children without the disorder to suffer from other mental disorders.  About one-half of all young people with ADHD have oppositional defiant disorder; about one-quarter have an anxiety disorder; and as many as one-third have depression and one-fifth have bipolar disorder.  Adolescents with untreated ADHD are at risk for substance abuse disorders.  Research shows that young people treated for ADHD have lower rates of substance abuse than children who go untreated. [iii]

What Causes ADHD?
ADHD is nobody’s fault.  Researchers believe that biology plays a large role in the development of ADHD.  Thirty to 40 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD have relatives with the same disorder, suggesting that genes are at least partly responsible. [iv]   Brain scans reveal that the brains of children with ADHD differ from those of children without the disorder. [v]   Children with ADHD are thought to have problems with the part of the brain that controls the organization and direction of thought and behavior.

What Can Parents and Caregivers Do?
Parents and other caregivers play a crucial role in ensuring that their child receives the care that he or she needs.  Children with symptoms of ADHD should be referred to and evaluated by a mental health professional who specializes in treating children, unless your primary care doctor has experience in treating this disorder.  The diagnostic evaluation should include behavioral observation in the classroom and at home.  A comprehensive treatment plan should be developed with the family, and, whenever possible, the child should be involved in making treatment decisions.  Educational testing should be performed when learning disabilities are present.

Treatment for ADHD is effective for most children.  Early identification, diagnosis and treatment help children reach their full potential.  The most effective treatments for ADHD include a combination of medication, behavioral therapy, and parental support and education.  Nine out of ten children respond to medication, and 50 percent of children who do not respond to an initial medication will respond to a second.  When ADHD co-occurs with another disorder, such as depression or anxiety, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is shown to be particularly effective. [vi]   Although the value of medication has been well documented, parents should feel free to discuss any concerns about medication use with the child’s doctor.

If your child or a child you know is diagnosed with ADHD, be patient.  Even with treatment, symptoms may take time to improve.  Instill a sense of competence in the child or adolescent.  Promote his or her strengths, talents and feelings of self-worth.  Remember that the side effects of untreated ADHD (such as failure, frustration, discouragement, social isolation, low self-esteem and depression) may cause more problems than the disorder itself.

Children’s mental health matters! To learn more, talk to a doctor or mental health professional, contact your local Mental Health Association, or access the resources below:

National Mental Health Association, 800-969-NMHA, www.nmha.org
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, www.aacap.org
American Psychiatric Association, 888-357-7924, www.psych.org
American Psychological Association, 800-964-2000, www.apa.org
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation, 847-256-8525, www.bpkids.org
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, 800-233-4050, www.chadd.org
Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health, 703-684-7710, www.ffcmh.org
Head Start Mental Health Resources, 866-763-6481, www.headstartinfo.org
Knowledge Exchange Network, 800-789-2647, www.mentalhealth.org
National Association of School Psychologists, 301-657-0270, www.nasponline.org

Children’s Mental Health Matters is an initiative of the National Mental Health Association’s Campaign for America’s Mental Health.  This nationwide public education campaign is supported by a coalition of national organizations and state and local Mental Health Associations and their partners.  Through this program, NMHA, its affiliates and partners offer educational materials for children and their families on a variety of topics including anxiety disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder and childhood depression, and mental wellness.