Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common mental health disorder in which people experience trouble focusing on tasks, controlling their impulses, or sitting still. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 3 to 5 percent of children, meaning at least one child in a class of 25 to 30 students, will have ADHD.
Let’s talk about four unexpected signs of ADHD in children and where you can go in Purchase, New York, to find treatment for ADHD.
1. Kids with ADHD Aren’t Always Loud and Energetic.
While the most common stereotype of a child with ADHD is that they are loud, full of energy, and always on the go, not all children with ADHD exhibit the same symptoms. In fact, there are three different subtypes of ADHD, all of which include slightly different symptoms:
Inattentive subtype
In this subtype of ADHD, kids often sit quietly and daydream, unable to focus on the task at hand or the lesson being taught. They may be so unfocused that even when you speak to the child directly, they may not hear you or acknowledge you. This kind of ADHD tends to be more common in girls than boys.
Hyperactive/impulsive subtype
Kids with the hyperactive subtype are fidgety, always in motion, and talk too much or out of turn.
Combined subtype
As the name suggests, this subtype of ADHD includes symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive subtypes. For instance, a child with this subtype may be easily distracted, a symptom of inattentiveness, but once they start to engage, they run around the classroom and blurt out the answers to questions and interrupt the teacher, showing a sign of hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
2. Mood Swings
Another unexpected symptom of ADHD in children is mood swings. Mood swings are rapid changes in an emotional state that happen due to a minor problem or sometimes happen for no reason at all. In general, mood swings are a primary symptom of mood disorders like bipolar disorder, but they can also be indicative of ADHD because people with ADHD can react very intensely and quickly to different situations, which changes their mood rapidly.
3. Sleep Problems
While sleep problems can be a symptom of many different conditions, sleep problems can also be a symptom of ADHD. This is because people with ADHD, especially hyperactivity, can’t just turn off these behaviors at night when it’s time to sleep. Children with ADHD often are not able to lie still at night, which makes it hard for them to fall asleep. They may also have trouble completing bedtime routines without getting distracted, making it harder for them to wind down and get ready to sleep.
4. Anxiety
Lastly, anxiety can be an unexpected symptom of ADHD in some children. According to Attitude: Inside the ADHD Mind, 30 percent of children with ADHD also have diagnosable anxiety. This is often because children with ADHD may be reprimanded for behaviors associated with the condition that they cannot control, like talking out of turn or not paying attention in class. This can make school an anxiety-inducing environment and increase general feelings of anxiety.
Children and Adolescent Mental Health Care in Purchase, New York
If you believe your child is exhibiting these symptoms and are concerned your child is struggling with ADHD, we are here to help.
At Westchester Park Pediatrics, our team of board-certified pediatricians is highly experienced in treating all aspects of children’s health, including mental health. We work with therapists that specialize in mental health care for children, and we can also discuss medication as a treatment option if your child has more moderate to severe symptoms.
To schedule an appointment, call us today at (914) 761-1717, or fill in our convenient online appointment request form here.
