Vyvanse

ADHD is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children.

What is ADHD? Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric behavioral disorder that shows itself as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Children with ADHD have these symptoms more frequently and severely than is typical for their peers. Only a trained health care provider can accurately diagnose ADHD in children.

To be properly diagnosed with ADHD, a person needs to demonstrate:

• At least 6 of 9 symptoms of inattention and/or at least 6 of 9 symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity have persisted for at least 6 months to a degree that is more frequent and severe than one’s peers.

  Symptoms of Inattention

  • Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
  • Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
  • Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
  • Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace not due to failure to understand instructions
  • Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
  • Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
  • Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (eg, toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
  • Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
  • Is often forgetful in daily activities

  Symptoms of Hyperactivity

  • Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
  • Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
  • Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
  • Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
  • Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
  • Often talks excessively

  Symptoms of Impulsivity

  • Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
  • Often has difficulty awaiting turn
  • Often interrupts or intrudes on others (eg, butts into conversations or games)

• Some symptoms were present before 7 years of age
• Impairment from the symptoms is present in 2 or more settings (eg, at school or work and at home)
• Significant impairment functioning at school, work or social settings
• Clear evidence of significant impairment in school, work, or social functioning

Who has ADHD? ADHD is one of the most common childhood psychiatric disorders. In the United States, approximately 7.8 percent of all school-age children have been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How is ADHD in children treated? A comprehensive program for treating ADHD may include:

• ADHD medication such as Vyvanse
• Behavioral strategies
• Counseling or other therapy

Talk with a doctor about developing a plan for treating ADHD that is right for your child.