Children are often energetic and test their boundaries, but when their behavior interferes with their life at school or home, they may need professional help. Luis J. Olivera-Rodriguez, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist practicing at Lumos Psychiatric Services in Orlando, Florida, who diagnoses and treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other childhood behavioral problems. If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, call Lumos Psychiatric Services, or request a consultation online today.
What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood mental health issue, although adults can also have ADHD. ADHD causes a variety of symptoms that are often severely disruptive to home and school environments. ADHD can also interfere with a child’s confidence and ability to make friends and build relationships with teachers and other authority figures.
Other typical childhood behavioral problems include:
- Oppositional defiant disorder
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Learning disabilities
- Conduct disorders
If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior, social skills, or learning ability, request an appointment with Dr. Olivera-Rodriguez for a professional assessment.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
ADHD causes both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms. Children display predominantly hyperactive or inattentive symptoms, or they may have a combination of symptoms.
Hyperactive symptoms include:
- Inability to sit still
- Interrupting others
- Overly talkative
- Running, climbing, and playing at inappropriate times
- Temper tantrums
- Can’t wait for turns
Inattentive symptoms include:
- Appearing not to listen
- Frequently losing or misplacing items
- Can’t follow instructions
- Struggling to complete tasks or homework
When left untreated, ADHD can negatively impact your child’s mental and emotional health and interfere with their ability to make friends and develop socially.
When should I talk to a doctor about my child’s behavior?
Children have plenty of energy and often love to play and run around, which is entirely normal childhood behavior. However, if your child’s behavior disrupts your life at home and negatively impacts other members of your family, or if your child struggles academically because of their behavior, you should request an appointment with Dr. Olivera-Rodriguez.
How is ADHD treated?
During your child’s initial assessment, Dr. Olivera-Rodriguez studies their behavior and talks to them to gauge their attentiveness. He also talks to you about life at home and your child’s symptoms.
In many cases, Dr. Olivera-Rodriguez prescribes a combination of medication and therapy to help your child. Medication can regulate your child’s brain chemistry and alleviate some of their symptoms. During therapy, your child learns coping techniques to self-regulate their behaviors and improve their understanding of how their behavior affects others.
Call Lumos Psychiatric Services or request an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment of ADHD and other childhood behavioral problems.
