NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

ADHD

Caring Pediatrics

Pediatricians located in Tempe, AZ

Around 9% of children in the United States are affected by attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Skilled pediatrician Rahul Bhatia, MD, MPH, FAAP, FCCM, and the team at Caring Pediatrics in Tempe, Arizona, can help your child manage their ADHD to improve their success in academics and in social settings. To schedule an appointment, use the online scheduling tool or call the office today.

ADHD

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a mental health disorder that’s especially prevalent in children and adolescents. Many of them carry the disorder into adulthood, but the symptoms can change throughout life. 

Children with ADHD often find it hard to focus in school and other settings, like at birthday parties and playdates. They can also have a hard time sitting still. 

Experts aren’t certain about what causes the condition, but they believe there’s a genetic component. Risk factors don’t include watching too much television or eating lots of sugar. 

Caring Pediatrics specializes in diagnosing and treating the three varieties of ADHD that can affect children of all ages. 

What are some signs of ADHD in children?

Your child’s pediatrician at Caring Pediatrics asks for details about their symptoms as reported by you, their teachers, and others around them. The three classifications, all with slightly different symptoms, are:

Inattentive ADHD

The inattentive variety of ADHD may cause your child to make mistakes often, have trouble paying attention to details, manage their time poorly, and become distracted easily. They might also be forgetful and disorganized.

Hyperactive ADHD

If your child has the hyperactive type of ADHD, their primary symptoms include fidgeting and trouble staying seated or sitting still. They may also be very talkative or interrupt others often during conversation. 

Combined ADHD

Children with the combined type of ADHD show symptoms of both other types. 

How is ADHD treated?

With any type of ADHD, you might have a hard time distinguishing between normal childhood behavior and symptoms. If your child struggles in school, at home, or with friends because of their behavior, you should schedule an evaluation at Caring Pediatrics. 

If your child’s evaluation results in a diagnosis, there are a few ways to proceed. The team at Caring Pediatrics customizes a treatment plan for your child depending on their symptoms and how much they affect life at home and in school. 

Most plans include a combination of medication and counseling, but your child might also benefit from dietary changes for better nutrition and scheduled regular physical activity to burn excessive energy. 

The team might also refer your child to a local specialist or work with your child’s school to create an individualized education program (IEP) for better educational support.

If your child is struggling at school or home with paying attention or sitting still, call Caring Pediatrics for an in-person or telehealth appointment or book your visit online today.