What Are the Symptoms of ADHD in a Child?

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a complex yet common neurodevelopmental disorder, the signs of which typically begin to manifest in childhood. It can affect your child's school and home life, but with early treatment you can improve their ability to succeed in spite of the symptoms. You can learn more about ADHD, what to look for, and the available treatment options by reaching out to Dr. Lisa Rainey and Dr. Perdita Taylor-Zapata of West End Pediatrics in Alexandria, VA.

Diagnosing ADHD

The hallmark symptoms of ADHD are impulsivity, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity, but there are important things to know about these and other signs.

Most children experience very similar symptoms at one point in their development, but not every child is eventually diagnosed with ADHD. It's when these symptoms are constant, when they occur in every setting, and when they negatively affect your child, that there may be cause to seek a professional opinion and treatment.

Common Symptoms

A child with ADHD may appear to be unable to recognize the needs of others and this can manifest in outbursts and cause interruptions. With inattentiveness there is difficulty in focusing on activities, they may fidget and have trouble finishing tasks. Many of these signs can lead to conclusions about your child being lazy or just not good in school, but with help from their pediatrician, these and other symptoms can be managed to give them a greater chance at success.

ADHD Treatment in Alexandria, VA

Treatment is typically a combination of behavior therapy and medication. There is no cure for ADHD in the traditional sense but with the help of their pediatrician and other experts, the goal is to reduce the negative impact of ADHD symptoms on your child's life.

Explore all your ADHD treatment options in Alexandria, VA, by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Rainey and Dr. Taylor-Zapata of West End Pediatrics by dialing (703) 823-7400.