ADHD Specialist

What is ADHD?

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a developmental condition that starts at an early age and can affect people for life. Children who develop ADHD often seem to have trouble focusing and be high energy. Parents, caregivers, and teachers often find their behavior hard to manage.

Without the help they need, children with ADHD often find themselves frustrated with school, getting in trouble, and discouraged. They may struggle to get or keep a job, have close relationships, and fail to achieve their full potential.

However, with expert care from the team at Great Destinations Pediatrics, children and adolescents with ADHD can learn to manage their condition and flourish.

What symptoms does ADHD cause?

ADHD symptoms are chiefly behavioral and can be mainly attention-based, mainly hyperactive, or a mixture of the two. All children demonstrate behaviors like these now and again, but those with ADHD behave in these ways consistently.

Common ADHD behaviors include:

• Showing frustration
• Mood swings
• Being fidgety
• Being easily distracted
• Acting without thinking
• Having no regard for safety
• Unlimited energy

Children with ADHD might act in ways that seem baffling, like leaving the room during a lesson. You might find yourself getting frustrated because they appear to be ignoring you when they're actually just lost in thought much of the time.

When presented with problems they struggle with, like organizational skills, children with ADHD might withdraw even further or act out.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

There's no lab test to confirm ADHD, so the team relies on their extensive experience and knowledge to make a diagnosis. Your providers at Great Destinations Pediatrics may use tools like the Vanderbilt Forms for teachers, coaches, and parents to fill out. They will also do a full history and physical as well as lab testing to identify any medical problems that may be contributing or causing the behavior. 

How is ADHD treated?

ADHD isn’t a condition you can cure, but at Great Destinations Pediatrics, your provider will use both conventional and integrative approaches to help you manage it. The doctors may prescribe stimulants that improve your child’s concentration and reduce the problem behaviors that often get children with ADHD into trouble or may do a trial of supplements, such as Omega 3’s and vitamins, as well as lifestyle changes and behavioral therapy to help. 

Great Destinations Pediatrics uses an integrative approach to treating ADHD. This includes adjusting your child’s environment, lifestyle habits, and diet. Your child benefits from a whole-foods diet. This means you avoid all processed foods and foods that contain nitrates, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners. Sugar intake should be limited.

Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and a multivitamin can also help you manage your child’s ADHD. The team checks your child’s iron levels too and will do other lab work to help rule out medical issues that may be causing or contributing to your child’s behavior. If they’re low, iron supplements could be recommended.

Children with ADHD benefit from limiting their screen time. Outdoor play and at least an hour of physical activity should be encouraged every day.

To find out more about ADHD and get the best treatment, call Great Destinations Pediatrics today or book an appointment online.

ADHD Handout

ADHD Resources for Families

Resources for Teens with ADHD

Tips to Promote Positive Self