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My doctor just told me that I
have ADHD, what does that mean?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder. It is common for ADHD to also be called ADD (Attention
Deficit Disorder). There are many students who are told that they have ADHD.
ADHD is something that kids, teens and adults can have, and there’s no
particular “type” of person who has it. People with ADHD could be
students, professional athletes, doctors, dentists, lawyers, teachers, or
movie stars.
Did you know that about one in
fifteen kids have ADHD? Overall it is a fairly common thing, so you
are not alone. And most people can’t even tell if someone has ADHD.
What problems does someone with
ADHD have?
Some kids who have ADHD have troubles with:
- Paying attention.
- Keeping notebooks and
assignments organized.
- Finishing things that he
or she has started.
- Talking too much.
- Sitting still in class.
- Being patient and
waiting their turn.
- Loosing their work or
remembering to turn it in.
Can I do well in school if I have
ADHD?
Of course! Many students with ADHD have
problems in school. But this is not because they are not smart, but
because they have trouble paying attention or staying on track. Kids can
improve these things with help from their teachers, parents or guidance
counselors. Its no big deal to have ADHD, but it is important that
kids with ADHD get the help that they need.
Will I need to take medication?
When an individual is diagnosed with ADHD one
option is to take medication. There are many different types of
medication. Your doctor and parents will decide if you need to take
medication, and which type is best for you.
If your doctor and parents decide to put you on
medication it should not make you feel any different, or think different,
and it will not change who you are. Medication is used to help a
student pay attention better and to help them not to be as fidgety.
Sometimes the medication makes you feel as if you
have lost your appetite and sometimes you may feel that you have trouble
falling asleep at night. If your medication makes you feel this way,
it is important to talk to your parents, your doctor or your guidance
counselor about it.
Where can I go to talk if I have
any questions regarding ADHD?
If you have any questions you can talk to
your parents, your guidance counselor, your teacher or a close friend whom
you trust.
References:
Attention Deficit
Disorder Association (ADDA)
www.add.org
Northern County
Psychiatric Associates
www.baltimorepsych.com
Parker, Harvey (1994). The ADD Hyperactivity Workbook for Parents,
Teachers, and Kids. |
