What is ADHD?
ADHD is short for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a chronic condition that makes it harder for a child or teen to focus and learn. It’s usually diagnosed in childhood, but symptoms can continue into adulthood. Here are patterns of behaviors to look out for:
- Inattentiveness – easily distracted, unorganized and forgetful
- Hyperactivity – in constant motion, fidgeting or talking too much
- Impulsivity – trouble taking turns, waiting, or following safety rules, plus interrupting others
Primary Care Providers can help
Your child’s benefits cover behavioral health care. So talk to your child’s primary care provider (PCP) about your child’s emotional or mental health needs. They can do screenings and recommend treatments. They can also connect you to a psychologist or counselor, but you don’t need a referral. Just make sure they take your plan.
Your ADHD checklist
Make the most of your provider’s visit. Download this helpful ADHD checklist and have it ready when you arrive.
ADHD treatment
The right treatment can help your child reach their full potential. This usually involves taking medicine and learning behavioral tools.
ADHD Medicine
Different drugs can be used for treatment. Watch your child closely once medicine is prescribed. See your provider within a month. And then two more times in the next nine months when your child:
- Begins ADHD medicine
- Switches to a new medicine or a new dose
- Starts back on medicine after a break (like summer vacation)
Behavioral Therapy
Therapy can help you and your child find positive ways to manage and change behaviors. We know ADHD can impact the whole family. Counseling can help.
