ADHD diagnosis? Try medication, support groups, mom says

McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) - When Gina Dunn's two sons were diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder earlier this year, she kept it private for fear they would be labeled as lacking intelligence.

She quickly learned that label is a common misconception, then tried to find a support network to share concerns with other parents. With the closest network hours away, Dunn decided to form a local parent support group through a national organization called CHADD _ Children and Adults with ADHD.

The group's first meeting is scheduled in January at Dunn's home.

ADHD is hereditary and caused by a lack of brain activity in a section of the mind responsible for focusing and impulse control, said Dr. Alicia Salyer of Palmetto Pediatrics on Hilton Head Island, S.C.

It's among the most prevalent and widely researched diagnoses of American children, with about 4.5 million between ages 5 and 17 diagnosed, according to a 2008 report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

After researching the disorder and talking to doctors, Gina and John Dunn decided to put their oldest son on medication to help him focus during school. At home, they help both their sons, ages 7 and 5, stay focused by keeping the house free of clutter and distractions, setting alarms to time activities and homework, and tracking good behavior with a reward system.

Diagnosing children can sometimes be difficult because it's natural for kids to have short attention spans, Salyer said.

"The key question is, is it causing problems in your life?" Salyer said.

If it is, Salyer said, treatment is essential, either with medicine to stimulate the brain or behavioral accommodations at school, such as extra time to finish tests.

While parents might be apprehensive about giving children a psychiatric drug, Salyer said untreated ADHD can cause other problems later in life, such as low self-esteem or poor grades that could cause them not to finish high school or go to college.

Sarah Kaminskas, program assistant for the Beaufort County, S.C., chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said she used to teach locally and found resources lacking for children with ADHD.

"They tend to be treated as behavior problems," she said. "My hope is that this group will become very strong and will eventually be a voice" for these children.

Dunn said she hopes parents can provide more than just support.

"I want the group to be there for each other, to share ideas and also to raise awareness and do fundraising for resources in the community and in the schools," she said.

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© 2008, The Island Packet (Hilton Head, S.C.).