31418 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children: Education and Treatment

Course overview

Discussion of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children including theoretical causes, characteristics and symptoms, how to construct a plan for diagnosis and treatment methods. ADHD is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders seen in childhood. While it is often initially diagnosed when the individual is a child, it usually extends into the adult years. In 2016, there were an estimated 6.1 million children (9.4%) who had ever been diagnosed with ADHD, and 5.4 million children who had a current diagnosis of ADHD. The economic burden of ADHD in the US is great, with studies revealing that annual costs associated with ADHD for children and adults ranges from $143-$266 billion. Diagnosis of ADHD requires an extensive evaluation by a pediatrician, psychologist, or psychiatrist who has expertise in ADHD, as there may be other conditions or problems that the child is experiencing which may have similar symptoms to ADHD. This program discusses ADHD in children, including diagnostic tools, treatment options, and educational guidance for families.