Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: ADHD

What is ADHD and how does it present in Children and Adolescents?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a psychiatric condition that can be diagnosed in children, adolescents and adults. Children and adolescents who struggle with ADHD will often have difficulty with 1) Attention 2) Hyperactivity and 3) Impulsivity. With that said, not all children and adolescents with ADHD struggle with all three of the above types of symptoms.

Children whose ADHD symptoms include hyperactivity and impulsivity, may be more-likely to be diagnosed. Simply put, a child or adolescent who has difficulty sitting still in the classroom, or who may distract others, may get additional attention (or concern) from their teacher, leading to an evaluation for childhood ADHD.
Children whose ADHD symptoms predominantly consist of inattention, may be less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. A teacher may not realize that a child is struggling with ADHD, if they’re sitting quietly in the classroom (even if their mind is wandering, and their performance is below their capabilities).

ADHD and its symptoms can make it very difficult for a child or adolescent to manage the typical school day, or to accomplish necessary tasks afterwards. Symptoms can interfere with self-confidence and affect social development and progress. This can lead to increased anxiety, low mood, anger or irritability, behavioral disturbances, or other difficulties for the child with ADHD.

Therefore, additional symptoms that may indicate that a child or adolescent may benefit from an ADHD evaluation by a Fellowship Trained and Board Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist include:

Increased Anxiety
Low Mood
Poor Self-Esteem
Behaviorally Acting Out
School avoidance
Poor academic performance
Others

How Common is ADHD in Children and Adolescents?

Approximately 3-5% of Children and Adolescents meet criteria for ADHD.

What are the Goals in Treatment for Children and Adolescents with ADHD?

Treatment for children and adolescents with ADHD should be tailored to the individual, and their specific struggles and difficulties. Goals for ADHD treatment may include:

To improve the child’s self-confidence in the academic environment
To improve the child’s psychosocial functioning
To improve a child’s academic performance
To improve a child’s behavioral difficulties, including acting out in the classroom and other environments.
To help a child reach their full potential, and limit the effect that struggles with attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity play in their lives

What Types of Treatment are Available for Children and Adolescents with ADHD?

Treatment for ADHD in Children and Adolescents should be tailored to the individual by an expert Psychiatrist and mental health provider. Your child’s treatment may include:

Recommendations for Accommodations for school, including a 504 plan and/or IEP plan.
Coordination of services and collaboration with the child’s pediatrician and school.
Psychotherapy and ADHD coaching (ADHD skills training).
Medication Management for your child’s ADHD. This may include non-stimulant options (such as Strattera [Atomoxetine], Intuniv [Guanfacine], Clonidine or others) or stimulant options (such as Adderall, Ritalin, or Vyvanse). These medications have the potential for side effects (some significant) and we recommend working with a provider who will take the time to discuss all of your treatment options, their risks and benefits.
- For information on the ADHD medication shortage, click here.

Do you Offer both In-office and Virtual Online Psychiatric Appointments for Children with ADHD?

Yes, we offer both in-office and virtual online psychiatric appointments for ADHD evaluations and treatment, with our Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists.

Why Choose Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for my Child’s ADHD Evaluation and Treatment?

The providers at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates are academically oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at academic institutions. Our Child Psychiatrists are Fellowship Trained, Board Certified Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, who are expert clinicians in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents.

Fellowship Trained and Board Certified Child & Adolescent Psychiatrists
Academically Oriented providers, most of whom teach, or have taught, at local Academic Institutions, such as Johns Hopkins Hospital & The University of Pennsylvania.
Appointments generally available within 2 weeks.
In-office and online Virtual Appointments for the treatment of ADHD in children and adolescents
Providers experienced in treating co-occurring psychiatric conditions.

Our general Child & Adolescent Psychiatry page can be found here