By Dr. Mitchell

ADHD in Children: What does it look like?
Part II

During my early years in graduate school, a ten-year old boy approached me and asked if I would be his mentor. This young man didn’t have much contact with his mother, and his interest in seeking out a surrogate, I deemed quite resourceful. How could I resist? This young man knew that a mentoring program was being developed and that students and mentors were being recruited to participate. Knowing this, he made his request and our journey began. Aware of the difference in the development of boys and girls, I figured that there would be some challenges along the way, but I cast those to the wind and let my enthusiasm and creativity intercede.  Having worked at that school that this young man attended, I was familiar with him on a cursory level. However, after spending time with him one on one and in group settings I found myself exhausted.  On outings, he would inevitably end up out of my range of view, running away from the group or just jumping around. If I took my eyes off of him for a minute, I could guarantee that he would end up somewhere that he wasn’t supposed to be. Early in our mentor relationship, I was much younger and perceived myself to be relatively fit and energetic. However, this boy’s energy level left me breathless. Eager to continue our mentorship, I enlisted friends to accompany me on outings with him, in large part to have an extra pair of hand and eyes to manage his impulsive behavior. There was something going on with this child and I wasn’t sure what it was.  “No child is that active,” were my thoughts at that time.

Becoming more involved in this child’s life, gave me to opportunity witness his behavior across settings: at home, at school, and in the community.  He was definitely a handful. It was only until I progressed in my own academic studies, were my suspicions about him confirmed. I felt that something was wrong and suggested to my mentee’s uncle that he undergo a psychological evaluation. Several weeks later, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder was among the diagnoses given to my mentee. Whew! Thanks goodness! This young boy had been going a mile a minute for years and had been demonstrating academic and behavioral problems that were not being adequately addressed.
No one was paying close enough attention to him.

The symptoms of ADHD in children are often labeled as “acting out” or “bad” behaviors. Adults, especially parents and teachers, often report that children with ADHD engage in purposeful mischievous behavior.  However, children with the disorder legitimately have difficulties controlling their behavior and their emotions independently. Due to the perceived willfulness of the behaviors associated with ADHD, the disorder is often undiagnosed and children who display problems with inattention, impulsivity and low frustration tolerance are just seen as bad kids.  It is imperative that parents consult with their pediatrician about their child’s behavior and to seek appropriate referrals as recommended.

Both psychologists and psychiatrists can diagnosis ADHD among other childhood disorders. The earlier the diagnosis, the sooner treatment options can be explored. There is no cure for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, however it is manageable. Research studies indicate that the most effective treatment interventions for ADHD are a combination of pharmacology and behavior therapy.  Pharmacological interventions are explored and administered by a psychiatrist who often consults with the psychologist who provides the behavior therapy intervention.

If the information above describes your child or any child that you are familiar with, consultation with a mental health professional should be considered. Discussing your concerns with a pediatrician can be a great start; however it is best to have an evaluation by expert in the field of mental health.

Have the courage to look at the children around you. Your awareness and subsequent actions may be key in getting a child evaluated and accurately diagnosed. Remember knowledge is power. The sooner the diagnosis, the sooner treatment can begin for any disorder, mental health or otherwise.

Until next time,

Dr. Mitchell

Dr. Adrienne D. Mitchell is a licensed clinical psychologist and a certified school psychologist. She works in the DC Public School System and has a private practice in which she provides psychological assessment, individual, group, and family psychotherapy.  She supports various charities such as Cure Autism Now.

Feel free to contact Dr. Mitchell with questions, comments and suggestions for article topics at DoctorMitchell@Verizon.net.