Does your child have a habit of playing video games on a daily basis and throws a fit when he or she has to do something else? Have you also noticed that your child is abnormally hyper and does not listen to you or other authority figures when he or she is told to calm down? Your child might be struggling with a mental health condition that is called attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is worth taking your child to a psychiatrist so he or she can undergo an assessment for ADHD. If the condition is diagnosed, there is treatment that can help with managing the symptoms to make things easier at home, school, and when in the public in general.

What Is the Cause of a Child Developing ADHD?

There is not a specific cause for a child to develop ADHD, but professionals believe the condition is caused by a combination of biological and environmental factors. For example, one factor could stem from issues within a child's brain that may have been present at birth. If drugs were abused while a mother was pregnant, it could also play a role in ADHD developing as a child gets older. Certain people are also more at risk of developing ADHD than others, such as the condition being more common in boys than girls. Children who were exposed to lead, born prematurely, or are within a certain age range are at a higher risk for developing ADHD as well.

How is ADHD Diagnosed by a Psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist will have to observe your child and assess his or her behavior to diagnose ADHD. You will also be asked about the child's behavior in various situations, along with his or her personality traits. One of the things that will be observed by a psychiatrist is how attentive your child is, such as his or her ability to concentrate without getting easily distracted by something else. A psychiatrist will also observe how active your child is and how he or she responds to calm activities, such as sitting down to draw. Depending on the results of the assessment, your child will be diagnosed with ADHD so a plan to manage the symptoms can be produced.

What Are the Management Methods for ADHD?

One of the management methods for ADHD is for a psychiatrist to prescribe medication that can assist with paying attention and focusing. Your child might also need to attend regular therapy sessions to work on his or her behavioral problems. You can also undergo coaching sessions to learn how to cope with your child's diagnosis of ADHD.

For more information on children's ADHD management, contact a professional near you.