Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral condition that results from a chemical imbalance in the brain, and genetics. ADHD is diagnosed as one of three types: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or a combination of both. A diagnosis is based on the symptoms that have occurred over the past six months. A child with ADHD will exhibit patterns and actions that can be detrimental to their mental, psychosocial, or emotional well-being.
ADHD and Your Child
ADHD affects a child as early as three-years-old. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can have severe effects on education, relationships, and career performance later in life. Individuals with symptoms may often:
- Make careless mistakes in their work or overlook details
- Not seem to listen when you are speaking to them
- Have trouble sustaining attention in play, chores, or quiet time
- Excessively fidget or squirm while waiting their turn
- Intrude or interrupt others during games, activities, or interactions
- Talk nonstop, dash, or run around at inappropriate times
When to Visit a Pediatrician
ADHD can interfere with development and hurt your child’s long-term success in life if left untreated. A child needs to be evaluated as soon as possible when you notice that your child behaves differently than most other kids, or when their symptoms are interfering in completion of homework and chores, results in disruptions in the classroom or at home, when routines are a struggle resulting in frustration for everyone, or when your child has difficulty settling down to sleep at the end of the day. Please visit us at any of our locations, Tullahoma, Manchester, or Fayetteville, TN for an evaluation if your child is exhibiting signs and behaviors associated with ADHD.
Dr. Seyler, or one of our nurse practitioners, will examine all aspects of your child’s health before suggesting further evaluation. Be patient as evaluations can take time while we collect all of the information needed to properly evaluate your child. ADHD isn't preventable or curable, but there are ways to manage it. Management of the condition often involves a combination of behavior therapy, including training for parents, counseling, and medications. Every child is different so there is no singular method to managing ADHD.
Don't wait to seek professional help for your child if you suspect he or she has ADHD. The sooner your child receives the support and treatment needed for their case, the better the outcome. Our pediatrician and nurse practitioners can guide parents in the proper direction following an accurate diagnosis and help them get the answers needed for their child.
For more information about ADHD, other conditions we treat, and services provided in our Tullahoma, Manchester, or Fayetteville, TN locations, visit our website. Please call (931) 297-4400 for appointment scheduling with Dr. Clifford Seyler at Royal Pediatrics, (931) 455-2674 for Tullahoma Pediatrics, and (931) 954-5248 for Manchester Pediatrics.