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Why Is A Child Hyper & Unfocussed?
my granddaughter is getting ready to turn four and is very hyper and unfocus. she is always trying to many things at one time from giving hugs dancing and running out to get on her bike all within like 2 minutes. she doesnt listen and defies any authority. She cannot even learn her colors or alphabet, numbers or anything new cuz she always has herself distracted with something else. She is getting frustrated and angry because she doesnt understand why anyone else around her gets discourage when she gets in her moods. Her mother was also adhd and wasnt diagnosed til nine. I know this is what is going on with her and believe she can really benefit with proper medications. For her sake and everyone that loves her too. Can she be diagnose at this age or any remedy that can help her?
Fri, 5 Sep 2014
Hello.
I'm sure this is a question that is on the mind of many grandparents who help out with care of young children (:
To answer your first question; Yes, it is possible to diagnose ADHD at this age, but this requires thorough assesment by a trained professional. At the age of 3/4, most NORMAL children's behaviour has elements of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and often they have a short attention span and are easily distractable. If we simply applied the criteria without taking into account age then they would all be diagnosed with ADHD. If, however, the behaviour is extreme and disruptive compared to other children her age, and causes significant problems in the child's function at daycare or at home, then the child should most certainly be assesed.
To answer your second question; While clinicians are pushing the lower age limit for treatment with medicines (such as ritalin), at her age, pharmacologic treatment is rarely indicated, and certainly not as a first line treatment. The usual approach at this age includes education regarding ADHD (it's amazing how much this helps), behaviour modification as well as parent training and support groups. Often these treatments can have a significant positive impact, so there is good reason to be hopeful!
On a final note - these children often have wonderful qualities as well - friendly, upbeat and creative to name a few, and sometimes the ADHD makes them special. Focusing on the positive qualities often is a good first step to connecting with these challenging children
Best of luck grandma!
Dr. J. Kruger
pediatrician
I'm sure this is a question that is on the mind of many grandparents who help out with care of young children (:
To answer your first question; Yes, it is possible to diagnose ADHD at this age, but this requires thorough assesment by a trained professional. At the age of 3/4, most NORMAL children's behaviour has elements of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and often they have a short attention span and are easily distractable. If we simply applied the criteria without taking into account age then they would all be diagnosed with ADHD. If, however, the behaviour is extreme and disruptive compared to other children her age, and causes significant problems in the child's function at daycare or at home, then the child should most certainly be assesed.
To answer your second question; While clinicians are pushing the lower age limit for treatment with medicines (such as ritalin), at her age, pharmacologic treatment is rarely indicated, and certainly not as a first line treatment. The usual approach at this age includes education regarding ADHD (it's amazing how much this helps), behaviour modification as well as parent training and support groups. Often these treatments can have a significant positive impact, so there is good reason to be hopeful!
On a final note - these children often have wonderful qualities as well - friendly, upbeat and creative to name a few, and sometimes the ADHD makes them special. Focusing on the positive qualities often is a good first step to connecting with these challenging children
Best of luck grandma!
Dr. J. Kruger
pediatrician
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