Attention Deficit Disorders: Diagnosis and treatment
All of us, at times, feel fidgety or struggle to concentrate or restrain our impulses. Children with an Attention Deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity (ADHD), face these problems every day!
How do doctors diagnose ADHD?
In recent years, pediatricans and psychiatrists have established 3 main criteria for identifying ADHD. These are as follows:
- Certain symptoms must be present before age 7
- Symptoms must last at least 6 months
- Symptoms must be present in all environments and in various circumstances (e.g. at home, in daycare, at school – even if varying in intensity).
Good to know!
ADHD is actually difficult to diagnose .
What are the main symptoms of ADHD?
Here are the 3 main symptoms (of varying intensity) of ADHD:
- Inattention (limited attention span, difficulty starting, ending or organizing a task, marked tendency to lose objects, distractibility when interacting with others, etc.)
- Hyperactivity (tendency to fidget constantly, squirm when seated, talk incessantly, run around when inappropriate, etc.)
- Impulsivity (tendency to blurt out answers before the question has been completed, difficulty awaiting turn, pronounced mood swings, etc.).
What are the treatment options for ADHD?
Once ADHD has been diagnosed, symptoms will most often be treated with a combination of:
- specialized psychotherapy (counselling); and,
- medication:
- - methylphenidate (Ritalin®, Concerta®)
- - amphetamine derivatives (Adderall®, Dexedrine®)
- - non-stimulant medication, such as atomoxetine (Strattera®).
Pharmacy services
If you have questions or concerns about ADHD, talk to a health professional, like your pharmacist. He can point you in the right direction.
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy. These services are offered in participating pharmacies only. Certain fees and conditions may apply.
* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.