About this topic
Attention deficit disorder is ADHD or ADD. People with ADHD have a problem with how the brain organizes and tells the body to complete tasks. To have ADHD, signs must start before age 12, and another disorder cannot cause the signs. And, you must have problems in more than one setting of your life, including work, school, and social relationships. There are 3 kinds of this condition. You may find it very hard to: ‚
- Sit still and must be active. This is the hyperactive-impulsive kind of ADHD.
- Focus or pay attention. This is the inattentive kind of ADHD.
- Do any of these things. This is the combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive kind of ADHD.
People who have the inattentive kind of ADHD may be easily distracted and have trouble following directions. They may seem disorganized and forget or lose things. This kind of ADHD may make someone seem not to listen and may cause you to be easily distracted. ‚
While there is no cure for ADHD, you and your doctor can work on a plan that is best for you to treat the signs of ADHD. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Try to get enough sleep at night. Most often adults need 7 to 8 hours each night and children need 8 to 10 hours each night. Allow time to rest during day if you are tired.
- Keep a regular schedule for eating and sleeping.
- Have a plan for where to keep things in your home. Use checklists, reminders, and alarms. These can help with organization and time management skills.
- Work to improve reading and note taking skills.
- Set aside an area for work or homework where there are few distractions. This may be an office or a desk facing a wall. Try using headphones to drown out other noises.
- Do one task at a time. Keep a list of the next things you were planning to do or say.
- Break large or boring tasks into smaller chunks. Reward yourself along the way.
- Set rules that are clear and easy to follow.
- Focus on strengths. Give rewards for good behavior, finished schoolwork, or success at your workplace.
- Use organizers for homework.
- Guide and support a child with this disorder. Share pleasant activities with your child. Give praise when your child does a good job.
- Limit doing things that might cause stress. If you must complete a stressful task, work on it in stages so that you can make a plan to finish.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a mental health specialist. This person will talk with you about the problems you are having. Then, you can work together to find ways to help you manage them.
- Your doctor may suggest you try talk therapy to help you manage your ADHD.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help calm you
- Keep you focused
- Treat low mood
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activity will help keep your mind and body in good shape. Talk with your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Less self-esteem
- More likely to injure oneself
- Less success in school or work
- Trouble making friends or having relationships
- More likely to abuse alcohol or drugs
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
The cause of ADHD is not clear, but to lower the risk of your child having ADHD: ‚
- Do not drink beer, wine, or mixed drinks (alcohol) while you are pregnant.
- Do not smoke or use illegal drugs while you are pregnant.
- Keep your child away from substances like harmful toxins and chemicals.
- Limit your child 's time in front of computers, TV, and video games.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Drugs are not working
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you ways to help limit distractions.
- I can tell you what I will do if I think my drugs are not working.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd.printerview.all.html ‚
Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ‚
http://www.chadd.org/Understanding-ADHD.aspx ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/learning/adhd.html ‚
National Institute of Mental Health ‚
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml ‚
National Resource Center on ADHD ‚
http://www.help4adhd.org/en-us/about/what/WWK8 ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-04-17 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Central Nervous System
- Mental Health
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚