It’s natural for a child to showcase signs of forgetfulness and short attention spans, but when these issues seem to be causing too much of a disturbance in their home life or school life, then it might be time to have our pediatricians at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic evaluate your child for ADD or ADHD. Located in New Albany, Mississippi, Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic offers you and your child a team of highly-experienced pediatricians for comprehensive tests to confirm whether or not your child is suffering from ADD or ADHD. Should your child be diagnosed with either condition, our team offers the guidance needed to ensure your child has the highest quality of life possible. Schedule your consultation by calling us or online today and learn more about testing for ADD or ADHD.
ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder is a condition that brings about a series of symptoms which make it difficult for a child to focus or concentrate beyond what is generally considered normal.
ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a similar condition that makes it difficult for a child to focus or concentrate, while additionally giving them difficulty with controlling their impulses or sitting still.
Other symptoms of either condition include:
Initial signs of ADD or ADHD tend to appear in children around 7 years of age, but symptoms can begin at any age. It can be difficult for parents to determine the difference between normal hyperactive behavior and behavior requiring medical attention.
It’s understandable if you would prefer to consider your child’s disruptive behavior as simple kid behavior. But when these behaviors begin negatively affecting your child’s school life and home life, it may be time to strongly consider having them tested for ADD or ADHD.
Our pediatrics team at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic in New Albany can comprehensively evaluate your child’s behavior to medically determine whether or not they have ADD or ADHD. We also test for other possible medical conditions influencing their disruptive behavior.
ADD or ADHD evaluation begins with a discussion between you and your child’s pediatrician regarding any specific concerns regarding their behaviors and symptoms. Your child’s family history and general health history are thoroughly reviewed to evaluate the possibility of other conditions possibly influencing their behavior.
For further evaluation, your child’s pediatrician may possibly ask to discuss your child’s behaviors and symptoms with their teachers and any other caregivers in their life.
If your child is confirmed to have ADD or ADHD, a custom treatment plan built off the medical history and specific needs of your child will be made by our pediatrics team at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic. We also offer guidance in the form of resources so that you can equip your child with what they need to thrive in their school and home environment while living with ADD or ADHD.
It may be necessary to make certain adjustments to your child’s lifestyle, including their daily exercise and diet. Family counseling and behavioral therapy may also be recommended.
In certain cases, the treatment plan may include medication for alleviating ADD or ADHD symptoms. However, all treatment options will be thoroughly explored before we recommend prescription medications.
Schedule your child’s ADD or ADHD consultation with IM&PC today by calling us or booking online.
Understanding ADD/ADHD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can have a profound impact on children, affecting their ability to concentrate, learn, and socialize. At IM&PC, we understand the challenges faced by children with ADHD and their families. We have compiled a wealth of information and resources that cover many important topics related to ADHD, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
ADHD in children is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Specifically, studies suggest that children with ADHD may have differences in brain development, including lower activity levels in the frontal lobe, the region responsible for executive functions such as planning, attention, and self-control. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing ADHD include maternal smoking during pregnancy, low birth weight, premature delivery, and exposure to environmental toxins.
Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children vary in severity and can be classified as either inattentive, hyperactive, or a combination of both.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD include:
difficulty following instructions or completing tasks
forgetfulness
lack of attention to details
forgetfulness
In contrast, symptoms of hyperactive ADHD include:
excessive talking
fidgeting
restlessness
difficulty staying seated
impulsivity
Located in New Albany, Mississippi, Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic offers you and your child a team of highly-experienced pediatricians for comprehensive tests to confirm whether or not your child is suffering from ADD or ADHD. Should your child be diagnosed with either condition, our team offers the guidance needed to ensure your child has the highest quality of life possible.
ADHD in girls presents differently than in boys, which can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. Boys with ADHD are more likely to display hyperactive behaviors, while girls with ADHD may be less disruptive and display more inattentive behaviors. Girls with ADHD may find it more difficult to socialize and exhibit greater emotional dysregulation.
At IM&PC, our team works to recognize and treat ADHD symptoms in girls and boys, utilizing targeted strategies tailored to meet their unique individual needs. Our professionals provide comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment plans and advocate continuous monitoring for individual symptoms to ensure maximum patient care.
The signs of ADHD in toddlers can be challenging to detect, as toddlers typically have shorter attention spans and may behave impulsively. However, some early symptoms may include:
difficulty transitioning from one activity to the next
excessive fidgeting or restlessness
difficulty following simple instructions or responding to simple requests.
Early diagnosis of ADHD in toddlers is crucial to successful treatment outcomes. At IM&PC, our team of medical professionals works closely with parents to identify and manage the symptoms of ADHD in toddlers, through comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans.
Various treatment options are available for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). At IM&PC, we offer personalized care plans that cater to your child's specific needs and may include medications, behavioral therapy, or both. Medications commonly used to treat ADHD include stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines. These medications increase focus, reduce impulsivity, and improve hyperactivity.
Behavioral therapy helps children develop social skills and coping mechanisms to help manage their ADHD symptoms. It can include parent training, social skills training, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. In addition, our team of professionals may recommend natural remedies such as exercise, dietary supplements, and essential oils, to help reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Managing ADHD symptoms in school can challenge children and their families. It is important for parents to work closely with their child's school to create an individualized education plan (IEP) that addresses their child's specific needs. This may include accommodations such as extra time for tests, modified assignments, and a quiet place to take breaks during the school day.
In addition, teaching children self-regulation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and visualization, is helpful in managing ADHD symptoms in school. Communication between parents, school staff, and medical professionals is essential in ensuring the successful management of ADHD in school.
If you're seeking compassionate and effective treatment for your child's ADHD, our internal medicine and pediatric clinic is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals understands the unique challenges of managing ADHD in children and offers a comprehensive range of treatment options, including medication management, behavioral therapy, and parent training. With our patient-centered approach, we strive to create personalized treatment plans that meet the individual needs of your child and your family. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward helping your child thrive.
