This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Angela LaRosa about the characteristics and types of ADHD in children. Dr. LaRosa is a Professor of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and Division Chief of the Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics Clinic at MUSC Children’s Health.
TRANSCRIPT:
Conner: I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio with Health Focus here at the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. It's estimated that 1 in 9 children in the U.S. between the ages of three and 17 has received a diagnosis of ADHD. Doctor Angela LaRosa is here to talk about the symptoms and types of ADHD in children. Doctor LaRosa is a Professor of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, and she's Division Chief of the Developmental and behavioral Pediatrics Clinic at MUSC Children's Health. Doctor LaRosa, give us an update about the increase in ADHD diagnosis in children in recent years.
Dr. LaRosa: The prevalence of ADHD has increased from approximately 6 to 8% in 2000, with most recent data suggesting 9 to 10% of children in the United States have a diagnosis of ADHD.
Conner: Tell us about the three types of ADHD.
Dr. LaRosa: In the simplest terms, there are three types of presentations, inattentive ADHD, hyperactive, impulsive ADHD, and then the combined type. And those patients have all three inattentive, hyperactive and impulsivity.
Conner: And what are the symptoms related to these types of ADHD?
Dr. LaRosa: There are many symptoms that can be associated with ADHD and in most basic terms, inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity. However, many children with ADHD exhibit symptoms of emotional dysregulation. They have poor self-esteem, procrastination, poor planning, poor time management, difficulty organizing skills, and a lack of cognitive flexibility.
Conner: And at what age might parents or caregivers see some of these symptoms that you're mentioning?
Dr. LaRosa: We know that children as young as four years old can start exhibiting symptoms of ADHD. The younger children will often have the emotional dysregulation. Older children were more likely to have the issues associated with procrastination, planning, organization.
Conner: Why is early diagnosis and treatment important for children who do have ADHD?
Dr. LaRosa: In children specifically, when you're talking about your own child, if symptoms are left untreated, you're going to have academic issues. That's when your self esteem issues are going to come into play. Social issues occur with peers and with the family and patients with untreated ADHD. And then there's also the concern that untreated ADHD can lead to other mental health and behavioral disorders. Looking at adolescents and adults with untreated ADHD, research has shown that there is an increased risk for poor health outcomes such as substance abuse disorders, accidental injuries, and increased health care utilization.
Conner: If a parent has concerns for possible ADHD in their child, who should they first contact for information or an evaluation?
Dr. LaRosa: The first person they should contact is their pediatrician. Most pediatricians are able to screen for and evaluate for ADHD. If the pediatrician feels like they have additional concerns, a referral can be made to a developmental and behavioral pediatrician.
Conner: Doctor LaRosa, thanks for providing this information about ADHD in children.
Dr. LaRosa: Thank you so much for having me.
Conner: From the radio studio for the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, I'm Bobbi Conner for South Carolina Public Radio.
Health Focus transcripts are intended to accurately represent the original audio version of the program; however, some discrepancies or inaccuracies may exist. The audio format serves as the official record of Health Focus programming.
