Does ADHD Go Away? What Parents Need to Know
Is your child having trouble paying attention, being overly active, or having impulsive behaviors? If so, they may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD. ADHD is a mental disorder that is common in children. If your child has ADHD, you may wonder, “does ADHD go away?”
This article covers all the basics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and its symptoms. In addition, our mental health experts answer the common question – “does ADHD go away?”
Does ADHD get worse as you age?
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is the most common mental disorder in childhood. Although children have problems with their executive function, having Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder doesn’t stop them from living normally.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be diagnosed in adulthood. However, it is more commonly diagnosed in childhood. When children are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, their parents often wonder – does ADHD go away, and can it be treated?
Before we answer these questions, let’s look at some symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADHD Symptoms
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder fits into two categories – inattentiveness and hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Below, we have listed a few symptoms within each class to help you better understand.
Symptoms of inattentiveness include:
- Having a short attention span
- Being distracted easily
- Making simple and careless mistakes – for example, in schoolwork
- Appearing unable to listen to and carry out instructions
- Constantly changing activities or tasks
- Having difficulty organizing tasks
Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness include:
- Being unable to sit still (especially in a calm or quiet setting)
- Constantly fidgeting
- Being unable to concentrate on tasks
- Being unable to wait their turn
- Acting without thinking
- Interrupting conversations
Now that you know about the symptoms of ADHD, you might be wondering what causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Let’s take a look.
What are the causes of ADHD?
Here are the three common causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
- It’s in the genes. That is, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be inherited. Studies have shown that a parent with ADHD has a 50% chance of passing it down to their child.
- Researchers have discovered that individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have a difference in their brains. However, the exact significance of these differences is unclear.
- Certain groups are at risk. For example, individuals born prematurely or with low birth weight, epilepsy, or brain damage are more likely to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
What age does ADHD peak?
Regarding hyperactivity, symptoms are commonly most severe at ages 7 to 8. Then, these symptoms gradually decline. Similarly, the peak severity of impulsive behavior is typically at age 7 or 8.
On the other hand, there is no specific age of peak severity for inattentive behavior.
Does Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder get worse as you age?
If a person receives treatment, ADHD doesn’t get worse as you age. Some studies show that symptoms in people between 70 and 80 years old are less prevalent than in adults between 50 to 60.
Does ADHD go away?
So, does ADHD go away? Research done at Harvard University found that many children will outgrow their symptoms. However, this is not true in all cases. For instance, in some cases, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can persist into adulthood.
That said, don’t be discouraged. Below, we will discuss some of the best ways to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
The Best Ways to Treat ADHD
There are several ways to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder effectively. Here are some of the best ways to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children and young people.
Medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
The most common medications for ADHD are known as stimulant medications, including Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta. These medications work to stimulate the brain that is understimulated. These areas of the brain are related to thinking and attention.
Does ADHD Go Away – Coaching
This approach is generally helpful for older kids. A coach can help a child towards their goals, influence positive change, improve productivity and functioning and keep a student accountable.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavior therapy is also beneficial. With the help of behavioral therapy, ADHD specialists at a mental health agency, like James Bentley Treatment Program, can modify disruptive behaviors.
For example, at James Bentley Treatment Program, we teach social skills like waiting your turn, sharing, asking for help, and reacting appropriately.
If you like this approach, schedule a free ADHD treatment consultation with us! We have been rendering services to our community since 2002. We are a family-oriented agency that helps children succeed. So, start today!
