What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects both children and
adults. ADHD in children is characterized by inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity, and
impulsivity. ADHD makes it difficult for children to manage their behavior, pay attention,
regulate their mood, stay organized, concentrate on tasks at school, follow directions, and sit still.
If ADHD is not treated, many children continue to experience these problems into adulthood.
Children with ADHD are more likely than other children to have additional problems such as:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Learning disorders and academic underachievement
• Oppositional and defiant behavior
• Sleep issues
• Trouble with social and interpersonal relationships
• Irritability and problems tolerating frustration
• Risky and impulsive behaviors
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
ADHD in children causes significant problems at home and in school on an ongoing basis. While there is no specific test for ADHD, making a diagnosis will often include the following:
• The gathering of information, such as current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and school records
• Interviews or questionnaires for family members, your child’s teachers, and other people who know your child well
• ADHD rating scales that help collect and evaluate information about your child
• Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing and Evaluation
• Behavioral criteria described in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association
How is ADHD Treated?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the behavioral problems that often
accompany ADHD, are treated with a several therapeutic approaches, including the following:
Behavior Therapy
Behavior Therapy is a learning-based approach that has been found to be helpful in addressing
the behavioral issues that are frequently seen in children with ADHD. Problem behaviors such as
noncompliance and defiance are replaced by more appropriate behavior. Behavior Therapy
teaches children more desirable ways of getting what they want.
Parent Training
Parenting Training is a type of behavior therapy that teaches parents and other caregivers specific
techniques for changing their child’s problem behavior. It is especially useful in dealing with
tantrums, defiance, aggressive behavior, poor organizational skills, and school avoidance.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that the way a child thinks and feels
affects the way they behave. The goal of treatment is to help your child identify and change
maladaptive thought patterns to they can cope more effectively with difficult situations. This
approach may be especially helpful for older children with ADHD.
Supportive Psychotherapy
Supportive Psychotherapy focuses on providing emotional support to your child. The therapist
will encourage your child to talk about their feelings, concerns, and problems. Parents of
children with ADHD also can benefit from supportive psychotherapy.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding why children behave
the way they do. ABA is a specialized type of behavior therapy that is used to replace
maladaptive patterns of behavior with skills that are necessary for success in life.
Life Skills Behavioral Therapy
Life Skills Behavioral Therapy teaches children to cope effectively with the demands and
challenges of life. Specific techniques of learning and training are used to help children
determine and achieve personal goals. Life skills include decision-making and problem-solving,
coping with difficult emotions and stress, creative thinking, and self-awareness.
Social and Interpersonal Skills Training
Social and Interpersonal Skills Training is a type of Life Skills Behavioral Therapy that helps
children with ADHD learn conversational skills, as well as non-verbal communication through
facial expressions, eye contact, and body language. Additional skills that children learn include
active listening, behavioral self-control, and the development of empathy.
Behavioral Self-Management Training
Behavioral Self-Management Training uses specific methods of instruction and practice to
increase independence and teach new skills. In schools, behavioral self-management skills
enable children to control their own academic and social behavior, enabling teachers to devote
more time to teaching. This training is also used to reduce anxiety, manage anger, improve
relationships, and develop more effective organizational skills.
Medication
A number of medications are used in the treatment of ADHD. These medications are provided by
a physician, or under the supervision of a physician.
What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that affects both children and
adults. ADHD in children is characterized by inattentiveness, distractibility, hyperactivity, and
impulsivity. ADHD makes it difficult for children to manage their behavior, pay attention,
regulate their mood, stay organized, concentrate on tasks at school, follow directions, and sit still.
If ADHD is not treated, many children continue to experience these problems into adulthood.
Children with ADHD are more likely than other children to have additional problems such as:
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Learning disorders and academic underachievement
• Oppositional and defiant behavior
• Sleep issues
• Trouble with social and interpersonal relationships
• Irritability and problems tolerating frustration
• Risky and impulsive behaviors
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
ADHD in children causes significant problems at home and in school on an ongoing basis. While there is no specific test for ADHD, making a diagnosis will often include the following:
• The gathering of information, such as current medical issues, personal and family medical history, and school records
• Interviews or questionnaires for family members, your child’s teachers, and other people who know your child well
• ADHD rating scales that help collect and evaluate information about your child
• Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing and Evaluation
• Behavioral criteria described in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association
How is ADHD Treated?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the behavioral problems that often
accompany ADHD, are treated with a several therapeutic approaches, including the following:
Behavior Therapy
Behavior Therapy is a learning-based approach that has been found to be helpful in addressing
the behavioral issues that are frequently seen in children with ADHD. Problem behaviors such as
noncompliance and defiance are replaced by more appropriate behavior. Behavior Therapy
teaches children more desirable ways of getting what they want.
Parent Training
Parenting Training is a type of behavior therapy that teaches parents and other caregivers specific
techniques for changing their child’s problem behavior. It is especially useful in dealing with
tantrums, defiance, aggressive behavior, poor organizational skills, and school avoidance.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is based on the idea that the way a child thinks and feels
affects the way they behave. The goal of treatment is to help your child identify and change
maladaptive thought patterns to they can cope more effectively with difficult situations. This
approach may be especially helpful for older children with ADHD.
Supportive Psychotherapy
Supportive Psychotherapy focuses on providing emotional support to your child. The therapist
will encourage your child to talk about their feelings, concerns, and problems. Parents of
children with ADHD also can benefit from supportive psychotherapy.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific approach to understanding why children behave
the way they do. ABA is a specialized type of behavior therapy that is used to replace
maladaptive patterns of behavior with skills that are necessary for success in life.
Life Skills Behavioral Therapy
Life Skills Behavioral Therapy teaches children to cope effectively with the demands and
challenges of life. Specific techniques of learning and training are used to help children
determine and achieve personal goals. Life skills include decision-making and problem-solving,
coping with difficult emotions and stress, creative thinking, and self-awareness.
Social and Interpersonal Skills Training
Social and Interpersonal Skills Training is a type of Life Skills Behavioral Therapy that helps
children with ADHD learn conversational skills, as well as non-verbal communication through
facial expressions, eye contact, and body language. Additional skills that children learn include
active listening, behavioral self-control, and the development of empathy.
Behavioral Self-Management Training
Behavioral Self-Management Training uses specific methods of instruction and practice to
increase independence and teach new skills. In schools, behavioral self-management skills
enable children to control their own academic and social behavior, enabling teachers to devote
more time to teaching. This training is also used to reduce anxiety, manage anger, improve
relationships, and develop more effective organizational skills.
Medication
A number of medications are used in the treatment of ADHD. These medications are provided by
a physician, or under the supervision of a physician.