ADHD

Does your child struggle to focus, pay attention at school, or sit still in the classroom? Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) could be the reason. About 7 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD; that’s about one out of every nine kids. At Merritt Pediatrics in San Antonio, Texas, board-certified pediatrician Christina Merritt, MD, offers treatments to help your child stay focused and thrive in school, at home, and with their peers. Schedule an ADHD evaluation at Merritt Pediatrics by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition that affects some children and adults. It’s characterized by difficulty sitting still and paying attention, which causes problems at work and school. Dr. Merritt evaluates, diagnoses, and treats ADHD. She talks with parents about their child’s unique situation to create a treatment plan that ensures highly effective, lasting results.

Which symptoms can ADHD cause?

ADHD can cause the following symptoms:

• Disorganization
• Impulsiveness
• Problems planning and prioritizing
• Poor time-management skills
• Difficulty focusing or paying attention
• Restlessness
• Excessive activity
• Problems sitting still
• Difficulty multitasking
• Poor planning
• Frequent mood swings
• Hot temper
• Low frustration tolerance
• Problems completing tasks
• Difficulty coping with stress

These and similar symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. They can be disruptive in school, at home, or among peer groups without treatment.

What increases the risk of ADHD?

The cause of ADHD isn’t known, but its risk factors can include combinations of genetics and environmental factors. Examples include toxin (such as lead) exposure as a child, problems with central nervous system development, and smoking, drinking alcohol, and drug use during pregnancy. Your child’s ADHD risk also increases if they have family members with ADHD or who were born prematurely.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

Dr. Merritt diagnoses ADHD in children and teenagers by discussing their medical histories, lifestyles, symptoms, and issues at school, including grades and behavior challenges. She also screens for other mental health concerns, like anxiety and depression. She tailors a plan that best suits your child’s unique needs.

How is ADHD treated?

Treating ADHD consists of taking medication, undergoing therapy, making lifestyle changes, or combining several treatments. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy are often effective.

It’s also helpful to encourage your child to stay active, eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, minimize stress, and stay organized by making to-do lists and keeping a calendar. Establish a regular routine and encourage your child to break up large tasks into smaller ones.

Contact Dr. Merritt anytime with questions about your child’s ADHD or how to better manage its symptoms. She can help them qualify for school assistance programs when needed.

Schedule an ADHD evaluation at Merritt Pediatrics by calling the office or requesting a visit online today.