The main features of ADHD include hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and an inability to sustain attention or concentration. Theses main symptoms occur at levels that cause significant distress and impairment are far more severe than typically found in children of similar ages and developmental levels. Much more common in boys than in girls, this disorder often develops before age 7 but is most often diagnosed when the child is between ages 8 and 10. Treatment can include the use of medications, special educational programs to help the child keep up academically and psychotherapy. As a result, children get along better with their teachers, classmates, and parents, which, in turn, improves their self-esteem.
Psychotherapy enables children to cope with their disorder and the reaction of others to it.
An essential component of psychotherapy involves the work of the child psychiatrist with both the child and the parents to develop techniques for behavior management. Anxiety Nearly all children develop fears of the dark, monsters, witches, or other fantasy images. Over time, these normal fears fade. But when these fears persist or when they begin to interfere with a child's normal daily routine, professional attention may be needed. These are not phobias, however, since these fears do not cause substantial distress or impairment.