Understanding ADHD: Overview and treatment

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood problem associated with impairments in school functioning and difficulties with interpersonal relationships (with peers and family members). As noted in my blog post on Psychology Today, approximately 9% of children in the United States are diagnosed with ADHD each year. The video clip below provides a brief overview of ADHD and treatment.

Featured presenter:

Kimberly Levering, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Children's Hosptial & Medical Center

Children's Behavioral Health

Omaha, Nebraska

Dr. Levering’s Bio:

http://childrensomaha.org/KimberlyLevering

School violence: Tips on helping your child manage their emotions

Earlier today we witnessed another tragic school situation in Connecticut. According to the New York Times, 26 people (18 were children) were killed in a shooting this morning at an elementary school in Newton, CT. It was reported that the gunman shot his mother (who is a teacher at the school) and then 18 students in the class. In the wake of many recent school incidents of violence, a huge burden is placed on parents to help their child cope with the traumatizing event. 

Below are a few tips from the American Psychological Association (APA) on managing distress in children:

• Take "news breaks". Your children may want to keep informed by gathering information about the event from the internet, television, or newspapers. It is important to limit the amount of time spent watching the news because constant exposure may actually heighten their anxiety and fears. Also, scheduling some breaks for yourself is important; allow yourself time to engage in activities you enjoy.

• Talk with your child. Talking to your children about their worries and concerns is the first step to help them feel safe and begin to cope with the events occurring around them. What you talk about and how you say it does depend on their age, but all children need to be able to know you are there listening to them.
• Start the conversation; let them know you are interested in them and how they are coping with the information they are getting.
• Listen to their thoughts and point of view; don't interrupt--allow them to express their ideas and understanding before you respond.
• Express your own opinions and ideas without putting down theirs; acknowledge that it is okay to disagree.
• Remind them you are there for them to provide safety, comfort and support. Give them a hug.

• Keep home a safe place. Children, regardless of age, often find home to be a safe haven when the world around them becomes overwhelming. During times of crisis, it is important to remember that your children may come home seeking the safe feeling they have being there. Help make it a place where your children find the solitude or comfort they need. Plan a night where everyone participates in a favorite family activity.

• Watch for signs of stress, fear or anxiety. After a traumatic event, it is typical for children (and adults) to experience a wide range of emotions, including fearfulness, shock, anger, grief and anxiety. Your children's behaviors may change because of their response to the event. They may experience trouble sleeping, difficulty with concentrating on school work, or changes in appetite. This is normal for everyone and should begin to disappear in a few months. Encourage your children to put their feelings into words by talking about them or journaling. Some children may find it helpful to express their feelings through art.

• Take care of yourself. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your children. Be a model for your children on how to manage traumatic events. Keep regular schedules for activities such as family meals and exercise to help restore a sense of security and normalcy.

If you find that your child is experiencing significant trauma and emotional difficulties you should consult with the school counselor or seek professional help in your area. It is possible that you may find a resource of providers by searching the website of the psychological association in your state. You can also browse for a psychologist in your area through APA.

Copyright 2012 Erlanger A. Turner, Ph.D.

Follow me on Twitter @DrEarlTurner and on Facebook at “Get Psych’d with Dr. T”

References:

American Psychological Association (2011). Helping your child manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting. Obtained December 14, 2012 from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx

Photo: courtesy of Shannon Hick/The Newton Bee

Temper Tantrums: Tips for Parents

A recent article in the Monitor on Psychology, a publication by the American Psychological Association, discussed temper tantrums in preschool children. According to the article, “daily tantrums only occur in less than 10 percent of preschool children, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status or ethnicity.” This was based on a study conducted at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

In my practice over the years, I have encountered many parents who come to my office to cope with their child’s tantrums. Often times, many parents may not seek help for this issue because tantrums are seen as a common behavior among toddlers. However, based on research you can see that only a small number of children exhibit tantrums at a high rate. As a behavioral psychologist, there are a number of ways to manage tantrums. The following tips may be useful.

• Establish a sleep routine. For many children, their moods are dependent on how much or little sleep they have had the previous night. Children who often have poor sleep habits tend to be more irritable and may exhibit more tantrum behavior. To help prevent tantrums make sure your child gets adequate sleep.
• Don’t fall into the attention trap. Children often get additional attention when they exhibit tantrums. To decrease tantrum behaviors avoid giving attention to your child when they have a tantrum. For example, if your child has a tantrum, remove attention by looking away and remaining silent. Do not scold the child or tell them to stop crying.
• Reward appropriate behavior. Occasionally, children exhibit tantrums as a way to communicate their wants and desires. By using rewards, you can shape your child’s appropriate behavior. For example, reward your child for using their words to request objects or for sharing with others if tantrums occur during play.
• Talk to a psychologist. If tantrum behavior occur more days than not, seek professional help from a behavior therapist or psychologist. Child psychologist and/or behavior therapist are specifically trained to analyze behavior and determine what the function of that behavior is. You can seek an evaluation or functional behavior assessment by a professional who can work with you and your family to determine the best approach to improve your child’s functioning.

Copyright 2012 Erlanger A. Turner, Ph.D.

Note: The following information is intended to be general advice for managing behavior. Please consult with a mental health professional in your area if treatment is desired. You can find a brief list of psychologist at http://locator.apa.org/ provided by the American Psychological Association.