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