ADHD Drugs and Side Effects in Children

The following table shows various types of approved ADHD treatments and their side effects in children. Stimulants Strattera (atomoxetine) Intuniv (guanfacine) Forms Depending on drug, may be pill, capsule, liquid, or skin patch capsule extended-release tablet How often taken Varies depending on drug once daily or divided into two doses per day once daily Common […]


Treating ADHD in Children

The Food and Drug Administration has approved two types of medications—stimulants and non-stimulants—to help reduce the symptoms of ADHD and improve functioning in children as young as 6 years. Stimulants have been the tried and true medication for ADHD since the 1950s. They have a long track record of being safe and effective. Despite their […]


Diagnosing ADHD in Children

Is your child in constant motion? Does he or she talk incessantly? Or have trouble focusing and prefer to daydream? Then your child may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. This childhood disorder often begins between the ages of 3 and 6 years, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). And it […]


What Is Underage Drinking?

Part 1 of Community Guide to Underage Drinking. Drinking alcohol can harm the growing body and brain. That’s why it’s important for young people to grow up alcohol-free. And it takes every adult in the community to help young people choose not to drink alcohol. It takes you and your help. What Is Underage Drinking? […]


How to Decorate Safely for a Fun, Festive Holiday Season

General Rules for Holiday Safety Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of the reach of children. Avoid smoking near flammable decorations. Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home. See that each family member knows what to do. Be sure to PRACTICE THE PLAN! Avoid wearing loose flowing […]


Getting ADHD Help for Your Child

Part 5 of An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. If you are worried about your child’s behavior, trust your feelings. Ask your child’s doctor for help. Many parents start by taking their child to see a family doctor or pediatrician. Some families go on to see doctors who specialize in childhood problems such as […]


ADHD is a treatable condition

Part 4 of An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD can make children feel bad about themselves. They may see themselves as failures, when they are not. They need help with this common childhood illness. With the right care, children with ADHD are able to pay attention, control their behavior, and slow their fast […]


10 signs of ADHD in children

Part 2 of An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Does your child exhibit any of these behaviors? My child often… is moving something—fingers, hands, arms feet, or legs. walks, runs, or climbs around when others are seated. has trouble waiting in line or taking turns. doesn’t finish things. gets bored after just a short […]


An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Part 1 of An Introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Does this sound like your child: Ricky sits on his hands to stop them from moving. “It’s like I have a motor inside me going “brrrrrr” all the time and I can’t stop it.” Does this sound like your child? Is it hard for your […]


Asthma and the Home Environment

More than 20 million people in the United States are estimated to have asthma. Among children, it is the most common chronic illness.  A substantial body of research, including population-based studies of school-aged children and young adults, indicates that the prevalence and severity of asthma have increased dramatically over the last several decades in the […]


Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents

Part 4 of Bipolar Disorder. Both children and adolescents can develop bipolar disorder. It is more likely to affect the children of parents who have the illness. Unlike many adults with bipolar disorder, whose episodes tend to be more clearly defined, children and young adolescents with the illness often experience very fast mood swings between […]


How much sleep is enough?

Part 7 of Healthy Sleep Guide. Animal studies suggest that sleep is as vital as food for survival. Rats, for example, normally live 2–3 years, but they live only 5 weeks if they are deprived of REM sleep and only 2–3 weeks if they are deprived of all sleep stages—a timeframe similar to death due […]