Welcome to episode 7 of The Parent Doctor Podcast. I'm Dr. Marissa Caudill, and today we're discussing ADHD. Many parents have questions like, "Does my child have ADHD?" or "Should I get them assessed?" Let's explore these topics.

ADHD is a common diagnosis in kids, first recognized as a disorder in the 1960s, after the discovery of effective stimulant medications. Prevalence rates vary, with estimates ranging from 4-15%, influenced by factors such as age, location/state, gender, and race.

Younger children, especially those born late in the school year, might be misdiagnosed due to developmental differences. Boys are diagnosed more often than girls, and kids of color face higher diagnosis rates, likely due to unconscious biases. While ADHD is a real and disabling diagnosis for some, it's important to consider other contributing factors, alternative diagnoses, and potential biases.

Coexisting conditions like learning disabilities, anxiety, trauma, depression, and sleep disorders can mimic ADHD symptoms. If you're concerned about your child, I've included a link to a free assessment tool, called the SNAP-IV, in the resources below. Professional assessments might include tools like the Brown, CBCL, Connors or Vanderbilt scales.

ADHD diagnostic criteria include a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, with specific symptoms outlined in the DSM-5. Diagnosing ADHD involves input from parents, teachers, and coaches. Symptoms must be present and impacting a child in more than one setting.

Medications can certainly help, but non-medication strategies like advocacy, IEPs, and behavioral strategies are also effective. Stimulant medications are highly effective but come with side effects like appetite suppression and insomnia. There is now data that childhood stimulant use may be associated with higher risk for obesity later in life, as well as reduced height. Non-stimulant medications and supplements like omega-3 fatty acids can also be beneficial, and pose fewer side effects. For this reason, I recommend starting with supplements and non-stimulants and adding stimulants if needed, whenever possible.

Most importantly, if you have a child with ADHD, be sure to encourage be their supportive advocate and explore educational alternatives if traditional settings are challenging. ADHD doesn't define your child's potential. Many successful adults have ADHD, and with the right support, your child can and will thrive.

RESOURCES:

-Please go to my website for info about Omega-3 supplements and micronutrients for kids and adults with ADHD

-www.chadd.org - a great general resource for people with ADHD

-SNAP-IV free rating scale (online here: https://reference.medscape.com/calculator/147/snap-iv-26-teacher-parent-rating-scale)

-YouTube channel "How to ADHD" by Jessica McCabe: https://www.youtube.com/c/howtoadhd

-ADHD medication guide from North Short LIJ hospital: https://www.northwell.edu/sites/northwell.edu/files/d7/ADHD-Meds%20Guide.pdf

-https://www.endeavorrx.com/ FDA approved video game to help with ADHD symptoms

Join me next Friday for episode 8 on trauma, and don’t forget to sign up for my free book club and newsletter.

Take care! 💕 Dr. Marissa