ADHD

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This story was produced in partnership with Akili Interactive, maker of EndeavorRx^®.

“Many of the frustrating behaviors associated with ADHD are just as frustrating to the individuals with ADHD themselves, seeming to occur before they can get a handle on what is going on.”

— Dr. Joel Nigg

How ADHD is Diagnosed

There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. A pediatrician or mental health specialist must run a comprehensive evaluation to check whether the child meets certain criteria. The symptoms must occur in multiple settings (like at home and school), not be explained by another condition, and interfere with daily functioning.

The child’s symptoms will determine what exactly is included in the evaluation. However, it will generally include a full physical exam, a psychological exam, and a health history — including family history, because ADHD symptoms are highly heritable. Parents and teachers may be asked to fill out questionnaires about the child’s behavior, and the clinician may want to observe the child.

Although your primary care provider may be able to make the diagnosis, make sure that they have significant training and experience diagnosing ADHD. It can be tricky even for experienced doctors, and many children with ADHD are misdiagnosed because the symptoms can overlap with conditions such as anxiety and sleep disorders.

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, they will have one of three presentations. Kids with the hyperactive-impulsive type usually can’t sit still, and they talk when they’re not supposed to. Children with the inattentive type may seem spacey and withdrawn, and they get distracted easily. They’re more likely to fly under the radar, especially when they’re girls. There is also a combined type of ADHD which includes aspects of both the hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive types.

ADHD Treatment Options

• Medication

Stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall improve ADHD symptoms in 70-80 percent of kids. There are also non-stimulant options, but they can take longer to have an effect. They usually aren’t prescribed unless the stimulants didn’t work or there is a medical concern about using them. Some of the most common side effects of both are a decrease in appetite and sleep problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children 6 and up be treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy.

• Behavior Therapy

This type of therapy helps reduce unwanted behaviors such as being disruptive in class and improves skills such as organization. A therapist may see the child directly, but they will often also train the parents in behavior management. They may recommend behavioral interventions in the classroom. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends behavior therapy for all children with ADHD.

• Electrical Stimulation

In 2019, the FDA authorized an electrical stimulation device for kids age 7 to 12 to relieve ADHD symptoms. It works by sending a low electrical pulse through a nerve on the face that connects to the brain. It’s an option for families who want to manage the disorder without medication, but the device costs nearly $1,000 and may not be covered by insurance.

• Diet Changes

Eating certain foods may help balance out mood swings, and limiting other foods, like sugar, may help with hyperactivity. This is a complementary therapy and should be used alongside other treatments.

• Exercise

Running around and working out can burn off hyperactive energy and improve ADHD symptoms and cognitive functioning. This is a complementary therapy and should be used alongside other treatments.

• Nature Therapy

Spending time in nature can improve concentration and relieve symptoms of ADHD, at least in the short term. Aim for at least 20 minutes per day. This is a complementary therapy and should be used alongside other treatments.

• Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness activities such as yoga can help kids with ADHD pay attention and self-regulate their emotions. This is a complementary therapy and should be used alongside other treatments.

• Video Games

Recently, a digital therapeutic called EndeavorRx® was authorized by the FDA as indicated to improve attention function as measured by computer-based testing in children ages 8-12 years old with primarily inattentive or combined-type ADHD, who have a demonstrated attention issue. This is a complementary therapy and should be used alongside other treatments.

The Benefits of ADHD

With all the challenges that come with having ADHD, sometimes it can be hard to see the benefits. But many successful entrepreneurs have ADHD, and some like Richard Branson even credit the condition for their success. The potential positives include:

• Non-linear Thinking

Kids with ADHD can jump quickly from thread to thread. This can make them skilled at seeing many pieces of a problem or challenge at once.

• Hyperfocus

A child with ADHD can achieve hyperfocus when they land on a topic or activity that they’re passionate about. Careers for kids with ADHD are often built around these passions.

• Resilience

Studies have shown that people living with ADHD are better able to respond to failures, at least in part because the challenge of their diagnosis forces them to experiment with different ways to go about specific tasks until they find one that works.

• Athletic Prowess

Although hyperactivity can get kids in trouble, it can also lead them to excel on the field or court. Children with ADHD often have lots of energy to burn off with exercise, which can set them up to be a sports star like fellow athlete with ADHD Michael Jordan.

Can Kids Grow Out of ADHD?

About a third of people diagnosed with ADHD during childhood grow out of their symptoms by young adulthood, according to the Child Mind Institute. Some kids, such as those with severe symptoms in childhood, are less likely to grow out of it. Symptoms are more likely to persist in children who are also diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, such as depression or anxiety.

Certain symptoms may become more or less prominent during childhood. Generally, hyperactivity fades throughout elementary school. Inattention may become a larger concern as schoolwork becomes more demanding and adults in the child’s life begin to take a more hands-off approach.

Four Common Difficulties for Parents of Kids with ADHD

Raising a child with ADHD can be exasperating. It’s normal to want to tear your hair out every now and then, and most of the difficulties are common — and approachable. For each roadblock you face, there are ways to parent your kid that jive with their brain and reduce frustration for the both of you.