ADHD Specialist
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Kids Kare Pediatrics
Board Certified Pediatricians located in Cookeville, TN & Nashville, TN
Virtually all young children (and even most teens) are restless, distractible, and impulsive sometimes, but kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to demonstrate these traits to a much greater degree than their peers. The team at Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics provides comprehensive care for kids of all ages with ADHD, ranging from careful diagnosis to ongoing treatment and personalized solutions. Call their Cookeville or Nashville, Tennessee, office or book an appointment online today.
ADHD
What’s ADHD?
Almost 10% of children in the United States — or about 6 million kids — have ADHD, a neurobehavioral condition that interferes with the brain’s ability to control important executive function and self-regulation skills.
As one of the most common developmental disorders of childhood, ADHD makes it more difficult for kids to pay attention, follow directions, or control certain impulses. Some of these symptoms may persist into adulthood, while others may become less pronounced. Common signs and symptoms of ADHD include:
- Problems staying focused or on task
- Poor time management skills
- Trouble with follow-through
- Constant fidgeting, moving, or talking
- Impulsivity at inappropriate times
Young people with ADHD may also experience more frequent or intense mood swings, or have a harder time dealing with routine stress, than what’s generally expected for their age.
Are there different types of ADHD?
ADHD is a highly individual disorder that affects each child differently. Your child’s specific diagnosis is determined by the symptoms that appear most prominent:
Inattentive ADHD
Children who are easily distracted or have trouble focusing have a more inattentive type of ADHD. Kids with inattentive ADHD are often diagnosed at an older age when it becomes harder to keep up in school.
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD
Children who have trouble sitting still, frequently interrupt others, or find it very hard to wait their turn may have a more hyperactive-impulsive form of the disorder. Because this form of ADHD is more likely to lead to disruptive behaviors, it’s usually diagnosed sooner.
Combined ADHD
Most kids who are diagnosed with ADHD demonstrate a combination of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive or impulsive symptoms. For kids with combined ADHD, the basic inability to settle down and pay attention can make it challenging to live up to expectations both at home and in school.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Although the symptoms of ADHD may seem fairly straightforward, many common conditions that affect thinking and behavior — ranging from depression and anxiety to sleep disorders and learning disabilities — can give rise to similar symptoms.
To diagnose ADHD, the team at Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics combines your child’s personal and family medical history with a comprehensive rating of their ADHD-like symptoms. They also perform relevant health screenings to help rule out other possibilities.
How is ADHD treated?
ADHD is typically treated through a combination of behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and medication, when necessary. Behavioral therapy aims to help your child monitor and control their own behavior, while cognitive therapy gives older children the tools they need to improve their focus and stay on task.
To learn more about ADHD treatment solutions available at Kids Kare & Woodbine Pediatrics, call the office or book online today.
