Preschoolers with ADHD

Young children, especially preschoolers, may be inattentive and hyperactive, but when should such behavior be a concern to parents? When is it not developmentally typical or normal? Many parents and teachers struggle with these questions. The diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) becomes difficult to make because of the inattention and hyperactivity typical of developing young children. However, accurate diagnosis is critical since research has shown that early intervention can decrease the impact of symptoms both academically and socially.

After reading the article “ADHD Among Preschoolers” and the Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Fact Sheet consider the questions below. Then submit your responses.

Question 1

According to some researchers, how early can ADHD be diagnosed after a comprehensive evaluation?

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Question 2

What is the most common medication for ADHD?

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Question 3

According to the article, approximately how many children have been diagnosed with ADHD?

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Question 4

What drug side effects occurred in the NIMH multi-site Preschool ADHD Treatment Study?
What drug side effects occurred in the NIMH multi-site Preschool ADHD Treatment Study?
Common side effects included weight loss, insomnia, anxiety, emotional outbursts, and loss of appetite.

Question 5

Although the DSM criteria for ADHD did not change from DSM-IV-TR to DSM-5, what has been included in DSM-5 to assist in accurate diagnosis?
Although, for diagnosis purposes, the DSM criteria for ADHD have not changed from DSM-IV-TR to DSM-5, what has been included in DSM-5 to assist in accurate diagnosis?
Answers will vary. One possibility: DSM-5 includes examples to illustrate the types of behavior children, older adolescents, and adults with ADHD might exhibit. The descriptions will help clinicians better identify typical ADHD symptoms at each stage of patients’ lives.

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