It is one thing to get a call from school informing you that your child can’t seem to focus in class, but it’s much more distressing to be told your youngster had an accident “again.” While many children tend to have minor mishaps from time to time, it may be unwise to dismiss frequent accidents. Inattention combined with frequent accidents, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity can be signs of something more.

The above are symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a behavioral condition that has a high prevalence among children, affecting about five percent of American children, according to the American Psychiatric Association (APA). Though it frequently starts in childhood, ADHD can persist well into adulthood.

What is ADHD?

As the name suggests, individuals with this behavioral condition generally exhibit attention difficulties. There are different types of ADHD, symptoms may be solely related to inattention while others may experience hyperactivity. They may also experience impulsivity. The combination of these three symptoms can be very risky, and they can become prone to accidents and possible dangers. The American Psychological Association reports that individuals with ADHD will exhibit levels of activity, inattention and impulsiveness that are “noticeably greater than expected for their age and cause distress and/or problems functioning at home, at school or with friends.”

Based on the symptoms observed over a period of six months, ADHD can be diagnosed as hyperactive/impulsive type, inattentive type, or combined type. Some symptoms can be easily missed as they can look like more common behaviors among children. It is true, many healthy children can be hyperactive, inattentive and impulsive at times. However, if these behaviors impact your child’s functioning there may be more going on.

ADHD cannot necessarily be prevented as the specific causes remain unclear; however, it can be treated. Knowledge is power and as you learn more about the symptoms of ADHD you can decide if your child may need further assessment.

Understanding the Risks and Dangers of ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder carries risks. It is a condition that is associated with having low levels of neurotransmitters or brain chemicals, such as dopamine. According to Dr. Stephanie Sarkis, people with ADHD are drawn to risky behaviors because these can elevate the level of the dopamine in their brains. In other words, “taking risks can give them a little rush of that dopamine that they are missing.”

Experts say that “When ADHD is left unmanaged, every area of life is negatively affected.” In fact, studies reveal that ADHD can extend into adolescence and adulthood when undiagnosed and untreated. ADHD can create social, academic and emotional challenges throughout one’s life, and later impact job performance, relationships, safety, and emotional wellness.

In childhood, inattention, high activity levels and impulsiveness may contribute to more frequent accidents and emergency visits. Unresolved, ADHD can result in risky behaviors that can increase the chances of future difficulties. In addition, if left untreated they may be more susceptible to anxiety and depression.

Preventing the Risks and Dangers

If your child continues to display inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity, you may not want to “wait and see” if things improve on their own. The good news is that with diagnosis and proper interventions ADHD can be treated. Counseling can help. Have your teen’s symptoms properly assessed by a therapist independently contracted with Carolina Counseling Services — Cameron, NC. Together you can create a treatment plan for your teen and help them to work through ADHD. Call today to schedule!