B. Onset no later than age 7. The disturbance causes clinicaly significant distress or impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. E. Does not occur exclusively during the course of PDD, Schizophrenia or other Psychotic Disorder, and is not better accounted for by Mood, Anxiety, Dissociative, or Personality Disorder. Treating ADD requires medical, psychological and educational intervention, and behavior management techniques. It requires the coordinated efforts of a team of health care professionals, educators and parents.
Parents often play the critical role of coordinating the array of services and programs.
Psychostimulants are the most widely used medication for the management of ADD related symptoms. These medications decrease impulsivity and hyperactivity, increase attention and, in some children, decrease aggression. The specific dose of medicine must be determined for each child. To ensure proper dosage, regular monitoring at different levels of medication is required. Periodic trials off medication are conducted to determine continued need.