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More than 10% of the United States population has been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). At the offices of Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, in Cranbury and Trenton, New Jersey, the highly trained pediatrics team diagnoses and provides treatment recommendations for ADHD in children and teenagers. Schedule an in-person or telehealth evaluation at Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition that affects the ability to sit still and stay focused and organized. It commonly affects children and teenagers, but some adults also struggle with ADHD. While there’s no cure, treatment can reduce any debilitating symptoms caused by ADHD and help your child or teenager thrive at school, in relationships, or while working.
Which symptoms can ADHD cause?
The hallmark symptoms of ADHD include:
- Difficulty staying on task and focusing
- Constantly moving around or fidgeting
- Problems sitting still for long periods
- Difficulty multitasking
- Impulsiveness
- Poor planning or time management skills
- Low frustration tolerance
- Restlessness
- Poor problem-solving skills
- Mood swings
- Difficulty following through on completing tasks
ADHD can negatively affect grades at school, self-esteem, performance at work, and even interpersonal relationships.
What may increase the risk of ADHD?
The cause of ADHD isn’t known, but its risk factors may include:
- Lead exposure
- Genetics/family history of ADHD
- Problems during nervous system development
- Being born prematurely
- Smoking, drug use, or drinking alcohol during pregnancy
Adopting healthy habits may help reduce the risk, but genetics also plays a strong role in developing ADHD. Children and teenagers with other family members who have ADHD are more likely to be diagnosed with the same condition.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Diagnosing ADHD involves a discussion of your child’s medical history and symptoms. The team inquires about their behavior patterns, including performance at school, and may ask for input from teachers and caregivers to determine if your child meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
How is ADHD treated?
Typical treatments for ADHD include taking medications, making lifestyle adjustments, undergoing therapy, or combining multiple treatment options. It’s highly beneficial to stick to a regular routine, eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, minimize stress, and get plenty of sleep.
Avoid overly busy schedules, make to-do lists, keep a daily planner, and help your child break down large tasks into smaller tasks. Call the office of Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, at any time with questions about your child’s treatment plan.
Schedule an in-person or telemedicine evaluation at Dewi S. Sudjono-Santoso, MD, PA, by calling one of the offices or requesting an appointment online today.