| Prevention of attention-deficit/hyperactivity | | | | |
| disorder is difficult. This is probably | | | | If you are not satisfied with the mental |
| because there are so many suspected causes of | | | | health care received, remember to: |
| the disorder. Expectant mothers should | | | | |
| receive prenatal care and stay away from | | | | - Discuss your concerns with the provider |
| alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful chemicals | | | | |
| during pregnancy as a precaution against this | | | | - Ask for information |
| disorder and many other birth defects. In | | | | |
| addition, it is just good sense for mothers | | | | - And/or seek help from other sources |
| to obtain professional health care for their | | | | |
| children. This recommendation may be | | | | - Realize it may take time for you and |
| particularly important when attention-deficit | | | | providers to find the right mix of services |
| hyperactivity disorder is suspected in other | | | | and supports that work best for your child |
| family members. | | | | |
| | | | - Treatment may not fully eliminate unwanted |
| It is important to not jump to conclusions | | | | symptoms |
| when it comes to attention-deficit | | | | |
| hyperactivity disorder. A high energy level | | | | - Most children with attention deficit |
| alone in a child or adolescent does not mean | | | | hyperactivity disorder do respond to |
| he or she has the disorder. The diagnosis | | | | medication and behavioral therapy |
| depends upon: | | | | |
| | | | Other resources of help may include: |
| - Whether the child or adolescent can focus | | | | |
| well enough to complete tasks that suit his | | | | - Qualification for free services within |
| or her age and intelligence | | | | public schools such as special education |
| | | | services under the Individuals with |
| This ability is most likely to be noticed by | | | | Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) |
| a teacher. The input from teachers should be | | | | |
| taken seriously. | | | | - The Individuals with Disabilities Education |
| | | | Act guarantees appropriate services and a |
| What should you do if attention-deficit | | | | public education to children ages 3 to 21 |
| hyperactivity disorder is suspected? | | | | with disabilities |
| | | | |
| - Make an appointment with a psychiatrist, | | | | - To obtain free copies of other helpful |
| psychologist, child neurologist or behavioral | | | | information visit the SAMHSA's National |
| pediatrician for an evaluation. You can | | | | Information Center online or call |
| usually obtain a referral from the child's | | | | 1-800-789-2647 |
| personal physician | | | | |
| | | | Always remember: |
| - Be patient if the young person is diagnosed | | | | |
| with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder | | | | - Every child's mental health is important |
| | | | |
| - Recognize that progress takes time | | | | - Many children have mental health problems |
| | | | |
| - Instill a sense of competence in the child | | | | - These problems are real and painful and can |
| or adolescent | | | | be severe |
| | | | |
| - Promote his or her strengths, talents, and | | | | - Mental health problems can be recognized |
| feelings of self-worth | | | | and treated |
| | | | |
| - Keep in mind that failure, frustration, | | | | - Caring families and communities working |
| discouragement, low self-esteem, and | | | | together can help |
| depression cause more problems than the | | | | |
| disorder itself | | | | Source: SAMHSA's National Mental Health |
| | | | Information Center online |
| - Obtain accurate information from libraries, | | | | |
| hotlines or other sources | | | | Disclaimer: The information in this article |
| | | | is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or |
| - Ask questions about treatments and services | | | | prevent any disease. All health concerns |
| | | | should be addressed by a qualified health |
| - Talk with other families in their | | | | care professional. |
| communities | | | | |
| | | | This article is FREE to publish with the |
| - Find family network organizations | | | | resource box. |