How can you tell the difference between rambunctious behavior and a behavioral problem like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? At Katy Pediatric Associates in Katy, Texas, Asmaa Fotouh, MD, Hebah Aboul-Fotouh, MD, and Tabassum Imam, MD, diagnose ADHD and provide personalized treatment plans to help your child thrive and achieve their full potential. Call Katy Pediatric Associates or request a consultation online today for expert pediatric health care.
ADHD is a behavioral problem that’s prevalent in children and to a lesser extent in adults — and an estimated 8.4% of children have some degree of ADHD. The condition interferes with your child’s ability to concentrate and causes hyperactive and disruptive behaviors.
These issues can get in the way of your child’s success at school, prevent them from forming friendships, and disrupt your life at home, all of which contribute to low self-esteem and underachievement.
In children, ADHD can present as primarily hyperactive, primarily inattentive, or a combination of both. There are different signs of hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Some of the common symptoms of hyperactivity include:
The signs of ADHD-related inattention include:
Depending on your child’s condition, they may have some or all of these symptoms to varying degrees.
Sometimes it’s hard to tell if your child is acting like a normal kid, or if their behavior is a sign of something else. A good rule of thumb is whether their behavior is interfering with their life.
This could show up as academic or social problems at school, or their behavior disrupts their home life and interferes with the well-being of other family members. If you’re not sure about your child’s behavior, make an appointment at Katy Pediatric Associates for an evaluation.
The doctors at Katy Pediatric Associates provide customized treatment plans to help your child. In many cases, they combine lifestyle modifications with medication and therapy.
For example, your doctor might recommend dietary changes for your child and suggest getting them involved in a sport that will allow them to run, jump, or otherwise burn off some of their extra energy.
They might also recommend therapy to help your child build skills that will help them improve their concentration and self-regulate their behavior. If necessary, your doctor can prescribe medication.
If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, call Katy Pediatric Associates or request an appointment online today.