Will ADHD Medication Change Your Child’s Personality?

Will ADHD Medication Change Your Child’s Personality? By Dr. Laura Tagliareni This is a common misconception. When doctors prescribe medication for ADHD, it can take a little while to figure out which medication works the best for your child and at what dosage. There are many medications on the market, and some may work well for some children and not others. It’s not uncommon for doctors to try different medications until the optimal type and dose is determined for your child’s age, height and weight. When prescribed effectively, ADHD medications work quite well soon after taking them. Your child’s personality won’t change, but his ability to focus and self-regulate will improve, which can make it easier to learn and to manage social situations. These changes can help your child build confidence and positive self-esteem. If your child starts taking medication and you notice any changes in behavior, speak up. If you’re not satisfied with the way the doctor responds to your concerns, then getting a second opinion might be the next step. Once you find the right medication and dosage, it’s important to keep monitoring your child’s behavior, as risks for side effects are still possible, although side effects are usually detected early in the treatment process. If you notice any changes in mood, such as irritability, anxiety or aggression, or if your child seems more or less emotional, then you should tell your child’s doctor right away. Fortunately, this may only mean changing the dose or the type of medication. In rare cases, side effects can include rapid heart rate, hypertension or more serious cardiovascular events. Some common side effects include decreased appetite, difficulty sleeping at night, headache or temporary motor tics. Your child’s doctor can help you deal with any or all of these issues. But whether your child has just started taking medication or has been using the same one for quite a while, it’s important to have regular check-ups with a doctor who is well versed in prescribing these types of medications. Because children are growing and their metabolism may be changing, some doctors recommend check-ups several times a year and sometimes as often as once a month. Lastly, it’s important to remember that medication is not a cure-all—it is part of the treatment regimen for ADHD. Parenting skills and behavioral therapy are also key components, so be sure to do things like reduce distractions during homework time and encourage your child to eat a balanced diet and get plenty of sleep and exercise. Dr. Laura Tagliareni is a pediatric neuropsychologist in New York City and a clinical instructor at NYU Langone Center. She works with children and adolescents facing a broad range of developmental difficulties, complex medical conditions, emotional challenges, and learning differences in her private practice. Areas of expertise include comprehensive neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations, individual and group therapy, bereavement   and educational guidance and advocacy.

High Blood Pressure ‘Causes Learning Disabilities’ In Kids

High Blood Pressure ‘Causes Learning Disabilities’ In Kids

A new study by University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) has indicated that children who have hypertension are much more likely to have learning disabilities than children with normal blood pressure.

In fact, when variables such as socio-economic levels are evened out, children with hypertension were four times more likely to have cognitive problems.

"This study also found that children with hypertension are more likely to have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)," said Heather R. Adams, an assistant professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at URMC, and an author of the study.

"Although retrospective, this work adds to the growing evidence of an association between hypertension and cognitive function. With 4 percent of children now estimated to have hypertension, the need to understand this potential connection is incredibly important."

Among the study''s 201 patients, all of whom had been referred to a pediatric hypertension clinic at URMC's Golisano Children's Hospital, 101 actually had hypertension, or sustained high blood pressure, determined by 24-hour ambulatory monitoring or monitoring by a school nurse or at home. Overall, 18 percent of the children had learning disabilities, well above the general population's rate of 5 percent. But the percentage among those without hypertension was closer to 9 percent, and among those with hypertension, the rate jumped to 28 percent.

All of the children were between 10- and 18-years-old, and the children's learning disability and ADHD diagnoses were reported by parents.

The study has been published in the journal Pediatrics.

Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/high-blood-pressure--causes-learning-disabilities--in-kids/709105/