What Is ADHD? Does My Child Suffer from It?

You worry about your child's impulsiveness and restless behavior. Her first grade teacher says she cannot sit still for story time, and quiet adhdwork is almost impossible work. You've heard of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), but that couldn't be the problem, could it? Try not to worry. Instead, call Prime Pediatrics. Your children's doctor in Gaithersburg, MD, Dr. Farnoush Jamali, helps parents and children with not only physical problems, but social, psychological and learning issues as well. She'll partner with you to understand what is happening with your child.

Just what is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

It's a common mental disorder affecting literally millions of children (and adults, too) in the United States and around the world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, GA, states that a full 11 percent of school-aged youngsters have the actual diagnosis. What's unknown is how many more children have the condition and go on without a proper diagnosis and interventions.

Also called ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder seems to present around the age of six and is noticed more often in boys than in girls. Symptoms include:

  • Impulsiveness and restlessness
  • Inability to finish a task
  • A very limited attention span
  • Hyperactive behavior that is noticeably different from the child's peers
  • Difficulty sitting still and trouble with concentrating and paying attention

Unfortunately, children with ADHD often have trouble with grades, completing assignments and getting positive behavior reports. However, many ADHD youngsters also can be popular with peers--being the ones who are invited to birthday parties and school functions.

How Dr. Jamali can help

If you and your family are struggling with what seems to be ADHD behaviors, contact Prime Pediatrics. Your children's doctor in Gaithersburg will sit down with you and discuss what has been going on at home and at school. Then, she will take a complete medical history and do a comprehensive medical examination to rule out any physical problems such as vision or hearing deficits. Frankly, most diagnoses of ADHD are anecdotal--that is, they are based on descriptions of behaviors by family, teachers and others directly involved in the child's care, schooling and other activities.

Dr. Jamali may also refer you and your child to a behavioral psychologist or neuropsychologist for intelligence testing and to rule out any learning disabilities such as dyslexia. The findings from these professionals help Dr. Jamali recommend treatments and modifications for a Individualized Education Program (IEP) at school as needed. Treatment options may include:

  • Medications
  • Behavioral therapy
  • Family and individual counseling
  • Classroom modifications

Learn more

If you and your child are struggling because of behaviors you just don't understand, please contact Prime Pediatrics in Gaithersburg, MD for a consultation. Dr. Jamali and her caring staff will help you sort through these issues and create a plan of action. Call (301) 977-2440.

Main Location

845-B Quince Orchard Blvd,
Gaithersburg, MD 20878