ADHD Treatment in the North Chicago Area

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, is a brain disorder that can affect children differently. If left untreated, this issue can cause a child to be restless, misbehave and prevent him or her from learning in school.

The team of caring pediatricians at Lake Forest Pediatric Associates are all board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and have years of experience diagnosing and treating ADHD in children. If you believe your child may have ADHD and would like help managing their symptoms, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Give us a call at (847) 295-1220 or request an appointment through our secure online form. With locations in Lake Bluff, Lindenhurst, and Vernon Hills, there is bound to be an office near you!

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?kid with adhd paying attention.

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulse control are not symptoms that are exclusive to children with ADHD, but the symptoms tend to be more pronounced in those who are affected. Although ADHD affects everyone differently, the following behaviors are the most commonly observed issues:

Inattention

ADHD can cause a child to have difficulty paying attention. Children who are inattentive tend to be disorganized and may give up on tasks easily. Many parents mistake these behaviors as simply misbehaving, but in children with ADHD, they are not making an intentional choice to behave this way.

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity causes a child to feel the need to move or fidget, even in situations where it may not be appropriate. If you notice that your child frequently taps his or her fingers, rapidly moves his or her legs when sitting, or simply talks an above-average amount, ADHD may be causing this behavior.

Impulse Control

Typically, even children without ADHD need to learn impulse control over time. But, if your child doesn’t seem to “grow out of” the pattern of making decisions without thinking or interrupting others, the disorder could be the cause.

Causes

Over the years, there has been a lot of misinformation about the causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Researchers used to believe that ADHD could be the result of brain damage, head injuries, or even the ingestion of too much-refined sugar. All of these theories have been disproved.

Simply put, ADHD is caused by chemical and structural dysfunctions in the brain that are the result of genetics. Pathways in the brain and neurotransmitters that regulate dopamine and norepinephrine are different in those with ADHD than those without.

Treating ADHD in Lake Bluff, IL

There are several options for treating a child with ADHD. With appropriate care, a child can manage symptoms and can begin to better focus in school and at home. Common treatment options include:

  • Therapy to help a child learn to manage his or her symptoms.
  • Parent training to help create an environment that will allow their child to thrive.
  • Medication to decrease severe symptoms.
  • School intervention to make teachers aware of any necessary accommodations.

Schedule an ADHD Consultation

If your child is displaying symptoms of ADHD, the board-certified pediatricians with Lake Forest Pediatric Associates may be able to help. Call 847-295-1220 today to schedule an appointment in Lake Bluff, Lindenhurst, or Vernon Hills. You can also request an appointment through our secure online form. We are available 365 days a year – with medical professionals on call 24 hours a day – to provide the all-around care that your family deserves. We see patients from Vernon Hills, North Chicago, Lake Forest, Knollwood, Libertyville, Lake Bluff, Lindenhurst, and the surrounding areas.