COVID-19 WellSpan MENU Menu Menu Menu GET HELP 24/7 CALL 800-932-0359 DIAGNOSES ADHD Mental Wellness : Diagnoses : ADHD ADHD Affects as Many as 1 in Every 20 Children ADHD Symptoms and Types of ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a diagnosis with which many parents and caregivers are familiar. Typical symptoms of ADHD include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior, and hyperactivity (over-activity). ADHD affects as many as 1 in every 20 children. Although boys are 3 to 4 times more likely than girls to experience ADHD, the disorder affects both boys and girls. 30% to 40% of children diagnosed with ADHD have relatives with the same disorder. While each child’s case and symptoms are unique, ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and into adulthood. Three Subtypes of ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Most symptoms (six or more) are in the hyperactivity-impulsivity categories. Fewer than six symptoms of inattention are present, although inattention may still be present to some degree. Predominantly Inattentive ADHD The majority of symptoms (six or more) are in the inattention category and fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present, although hyperactivity-impulsivity may still be present to some degree. Children with this subtype are less likely to act out or have difficulties getting along with other children. They may sit quietly, but they are not paying attention to what they are doing. Therefore, the child may be overlooked, and parents and teachers may not notice that he or she has ADHD. Combined Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive Six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity are present. Most children have the combined type of ADHD. Treatments can relieve many of the disorder's symptoms, but there is no cure. With treatment, most people with ADHD can be successful in school and lead productive lives. Researchers are developing more effective treatments and interventions, and using new tools such as brain imaging, to better understand ADHD and to find more effective ways to treat and prevent it. Behavioral Health Services for Children and Adolescents At WellSpan Philhaven, we treat children from ages 3-18 who are experiencing ADD and ADHD. Visit our Outpatient Services for Children to learn more about our approach to ADHD therapy. Call To Schedule an Appointment To schedule or change an appointment, please call 800-459-7497 (Mon-Thur: 7:00am-6:00pm and Friday: 7:00am-5:00pm). Stories of Hope from the Medical Director What are the symptoms of ADHD in children? Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key behaviors of ADHD. It is normal for all children to be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive sometimes, but for children with ADHD, these behaviors are more severe and occur more often. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age. Children who have symptoms of inattention may: Be easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another Have difficulty focusing on one thing Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things (e.g., pencils, toys, assignments) needed to complete tasks or activities Not seem to listen when spoken to Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others Struggle to follow instructions. Children who have symptoms of hyperactivity may: Fidget and squirm in their seats Talk nonstop Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time Be constantly in motion Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities. Children who have symptoms of impulsivity may: Be very impatient Blurt out inappropriate comments, show their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for consequences Have difficulty waiting for things they want or waiting their turns in games Often interrupt conversations or others' activities. ADHD Can Be Mistaken for Other Problems How is ADHD diagnosed? How is ADHD treated? Information taken from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd WellSpan Philhaven MAIN LOCATION 283 S. Butler Road P.O. Box 550 Lebanon, PA 17064 GPS navigation city: Lebanon Get Directions Other Philhaven Locations Find us on PHONE Local: 717-273-8871 Toll Free: 800-932-0359 Financial Assistance Program Joint Commission Accreditation Certified