/assets/images/provider/photos/2843706.jpeg)
When you think of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may envision kids who have trouble sitting still or paying attention. While this is frequently true, the condition can also come with other mental health challenges.
Our expert providers at Angel Kids Pediatrics provide personalized, dedicated care for the whole child — including treatment for behavioral and developmental issues along with the usual appointments for well-child visits, illnesses and injuries, and chronic conditions.
Accessing vital care to ensure your child thrives through every age and stage of development has never been easier with our 10 offices located throughout Jacksonville, Amelia Island, and Saint Johns, Florida, along with our convenient telehealth appointment option.
In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we’re exploring five ways ADHD can affect your child’s mental health — and how we can offer much-needed support.
ADHD basics
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that’s typically diagnosed in childhood, and usually lasts into adulthood. Symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While kids can have predominantly one type of ADHD (inattentive or hyperactive-compulsive), a combination of both types (combined ADHD) is most common.
Associated mental health issues
Kids and teens with ADHD experience often other mental health issues, including:
1. Anxiety
While it’s natural for children to feel fearful and worry, when these feelings are significant enough to interfere with school and daily life it may be an anxiety disorder.
ADHD may give rise to separation anxiety, where a child is afraid to be separated from family members; social anxiety, which causes stress about interacting with others at school and in the community; or general anxiety, or fear about the future and potential bad things occurring.
2. Depression
Like anxiety, feelings of sadness or hopelessness can happen to any child in small doses. But when the feelings persist, it may be a sign of a depressive disorder. Additional signs can include not wanting to participate in activities they enjoy and feeling useless or worthless.
ADHD may give rise to depression when a child’s inattentive or impulsive symptoms cause them to do poorly in school or struggle socially.
3. Oppositional defiant disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) occurs when kids act out. As one of the most frequently occurring issues alongside ADHD, ODD can cause your child to get angry and lose their temper, argue with others, refuse to follow the rules, feel resentful, or want to get revenge.
Constantly trying to annoy others or becoming easily annoyed are other possible signs of ODD, as is blaming others instead of taking responsibility for a mistake or bad behavior.
4. Conduct disorder
Also associated with ADHD, conduct disorder includes behaviors like breaking major rules (e.g., running away, skipping school), harmful aggression (e.g., fighting, bullying), or serious offenses (e.g., lying, stealing, damaging others’ property). Children and teens with conduct disorder are more likely to get injured and break the law.
5. Learning disorders
In addition to challenges with paying attention and staying on task, many kids with ADHD also have a learning disorder like dyslexia. This can cause problems academically and may lead to issues of low self-esteem and self-worth.
Partner with a pediatrician for better ADHD management
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD — or you suspect they have it — and they’re struggling in school, at home, or socially, we can conduct a thorough mental health evaluation, search for the right diagnosis, and create a personalized treatment plan.
To learn more, call or click online and schedule a visit at your nearest Angel Kids Pediatrics office in Jacksonville, Amelia Island, or Saint Johns, Florida, today.