The three subtypes of ADHD
Inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined
There are some things you may not know about ADD. There are actually three types or sub-types. Each is described below.
Mainly inattentive ADHD
Although the acronym ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, hyperactivity is not always the predominant problem. The main problem with ADHD-AD or ADHD-I is inattentiveness.
Characteristics of this type are often confused with laziness or immaturity. Parents sometimes feel that their child is simply not bothering to get good grades.
Constant criticism can affect a child's self-esteem. He or she may have problems reaching or staying in school. The effort the child spends is actually much greater than it appears.
An average child may be able to concentrate in a structured classroom for hours. The child with ADHD-PI is unable to pay attention for long periods. Frequent reveries, forgetfulness, delay, lethargy and fatigue are some of the symptoms of this subtype.
If not diagnosed, this type follows a person into adulthood, which makes work and personal relationships difficult. The fear of being in a situation that requires attention can lead to additional problems such as anxiety or mood disorders.
ADHD mostly hyperactive-impulsive
When parents ask questions about ADD, it's mostly due to the disorder caused by hyperactivity or impulsive behavior. ADHD-PI can easily go unnoticed. The child cannot be successful at school, but behavior is usually not a problem.
Hyperactivity, impulsiveness, aggressiveness and excessive conversation are some of the behavioral problems that can go with this type. Unclear answers, difficulties in interrupting conversations, disrupting other children's games and general restlessness are further features.
While both types affect a child's ability to learn, hyperactivity and impulsivity affect other children's ability to learn. The classroom is disturbed. Teachers often ask parents to seek help for their children, which means that more children with hyperactivity are diagnosed than children with primary inattentiveness. ADHD-PI can actually be more common.
ADHD combined type
One of the frustrating things about ADD for children, parents, teachers, and health professionals is that symptoms can change over several months. A child can show both inattentiveness and hyperactivity. Sometimes the child mostly appears to be inattentive, while at other times the child is clearly hyperactive.
One of the things that occur in ADS in almost all cases and almost always is the fact that school or homework does not end, but not because of a lack of understanding of instructions, nor because of an attitude of the opposition. Parents and teachers get angry because they do not understand why the child is not "acting as it was told".
It is important for parents to understand that this type of behavior is beyond the child's control. There are things that can be done to help the child. This is the area you should focus on.
There are many things we don't know about the condition. But there is one thing we know about ADD: punishment doesn't help.
ADHD medication for children
Choosing the right drug for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become difficult due to the introduction of several new stimulants on the market. Stimulants are first-line treatments for ADHD that contain different formulations of amphetamine and methylphenidate, while antidepressants are considered second-line treatments for this condition.
This article provides information on some new ADHD medications for children that can help parents choose the best ones for their child.
He points out that these new drugs are beneficial compared to Ritalin because they have to be administered daily and their effects can last for around 12 hours. Another advantage of the wide range of stimulants is that an ADHD child can find the right answer, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
In addition, the first thing parents need to do is decide which medication to give their child. Let me emphasize that parents should start with a low dose since the stimulants do not depend on the child's weight.
I will start talking about long-acting stimulants, including Vyvanse, Adderall XR, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin XR, Metadate CD and Ritalin LA, which last 8 to 12 hours and are usually given once a day.
Vyvanse is a new stimulant for ADHD that is similar to Adderall. Its main ingredient is a variant of an ingredient from Adderall.
Adderall XR is the extended release type of Adderall that can be used in children 6 years and older and contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Like Adderall XR, Concerta is FDA approved for children ages 6 and up. Safety for children under the age of 6 has not been established. This medication is available in three different dosages; 18, 36 and 54 mg.
Daytrana is a methyphenidate patch that is applied to the hips in the morning and can be worn all day.
Focalin XR is a type of prolonged release focalin that contains dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride as its active ingredient, while Metadate CD is a type of long-acting methylphenidate (Ritalin). Ritalin LA is now a new type of long-acting methylphenidate (Ritalin).
Another set contains short or medium-acting stimulants: Ritalin SR, Methylin ER, Metadat ER, Ritalin (Methylphenidat HCl) and Adderall.
Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug that has been approved for the treatment of ADHD in children and is particularly helpful for people with anxiety. Side effects of stimulants include headache, decreased appetite, sleep disorders, social withdrawal, upset stomach and nervousness.
Let us now consider the second line of treatment for ADHD, the antidepressants. These drugs can be tested if they affect the child if the stimulants have not improved the symptoms of ADHD. The AAP also suggests the use of behavioral therapy, which could include training parents of children with ADHD. In addition, other psychological interventions recommended for children with ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy and play therapy.
With the availability of these improved medicines for children, parents are now confident of finding the best that can work for their children. In addition, various alternatives are offered when the stimulants fail.