If your child struggles to pay attention at home or in school, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might play a role. At Lowcountry Pediatrics, PA in Goose Creek, South Carolina, Zoe Pogue, MD, and her experienced team offer ADHD treatments to help your child thrive in any environment. Call the office today or book an appointment online.
ADHD is a disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD can make sitting still, getting good grades, and interacting with other people difficult.
It affects 3-5% of children in the United States. Treatment helps your child focus better and excel during everyday activities.
Symptoms you may notice if your child has ADHD include:
While nearly every child displays these behaviors, some of the time, ADHD often causes problems in social situations or at school and lasts more than six months. It’s more common in boys than in girls.
The cause of ADHD isn’t known, but it sometimes runs in families. Genetics and the environment appear to play a role in its development.
Your child’s risk of ADHD increases if they have a blood relative with the disorder, premature birth, maternal drug, alcohol, or tobacco use, or exposure to environmental toxins like lead and mercury.
To diagnose ADHD and develop a treatment, your Lowcountry Pediatrics, PA, specialist reviews your child’s medical history, completes a physical exam, and asks questions about their symptoms, development, social interactions, and behavior.
Your pediatrician might ask your child questions too, and observe them during the appointment. If ADHD negatively affects your child’s schoolwork or interpersonal relationships, the Lowcountry Pediatrics, PA, team might recommend treatment.
ADHD treatments help your child focus better and thrive in their environment. Your pediatrician might recommend:
Taking certain medicines, such as stimulants, can help your child focus better and sit still at school. Your doctor lets you know which medications might be a good match for them.
Behavioral therapy, social skills training, psychotherapy, and family therapy can teach your child behavior changes that help them excel in school and interpersonal relationships. For best results, your pediatrician might recommend combining therapy with medications.
Things you can do at home to help your child excel include setting a regular routine, staying organized, showing your child affection, finding ways to improve their self-esteem, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep.
Don’t let ADHD negatively affect your child’s life. Schedule an appointment with Lowcountry Pediatrics, PA, by phone or online for treatment today.
