Poor Academic Performance
Could it be ADHD?
Many parents are concerned about their children’s inattentiveness and frequent mistakes, wondering if it could be a sign of ADHD. ADHD is diagnosed based on several criteria. ADHD is not simply determined by poor academic performance and distractibility. However, neglecting these symptoms, assuming they are typical for children, can be risky. A psychiatric evaluation and appropriate treatment are recommended for accurate diagnosis. Let’s take a closer look at ADHD,
How to Self-Diagnose ADHD?
If you relate to 6 or more of the following, you might suspect ADHD.
1. Repeated mistakes and lack of attention during academic activities.
2. Difficulty in maintaining focus during tasks and play.
3. Sometimes appears not to listen when spoken to.
4. Fails to finish schoolwork, chores, etc.
5. Often forgets or loses items necessary for tasks.
6. Frequently avoids or refuses to engage in tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
7. Struggles with organized activities.
8. Easily distracted by external stimuli.
9. Often forgets daily activities.
Will a child’s poor test scores and inability to focus in class naturally improve over time?
Assuming that a child’s ADHD symptoms will improve with growth can be risky. Negative feedback and reprimands can lower a child’s self-esteem and lead to depression. This can cause a variety of problems, so it’s essential to seek treatment and provide support at the right time to prevent secondary emotional issues. It’s best to have an ADHD test no later than early elementary school.
Is it safe for a child with ADHD to take psychiatric medication?
It can be a burden to consider giving psychiatric medication to a child. However, the drugs used for ADHD have the highest response rate and have been scientifically proven to show much more improvement in symptoms than other treatments. Typically, the medication is taken for 1 to 2 years, and a decision to continue or stop is made after observing symptom improvement. Rather than worrying about lifelong medication, it’s better to take it with the mindset of improving symptoms after 1 to 2 years of use. Side effects such as stomach upset and headaches may occur, and if these symptoms appear, it’s best to consult with medical professionals for adjustment.
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