ADHD Specialist
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Keith L. Perkins, M.D.
Internal Medicine & Pediatrician located in Selmer, TN
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects about 3 to 5% of all children in the U.S. At his office in Selmer, Tennessee, Dr. Keith L. Perkins Jr. helps children and their families overcome this disruptive, challenging condition. With an emphasis on excellent pediatric care, the team at Premier Internal Medicine and Pediatrics gives your child the support they need to stay focused and calm, both at home and in school.
ADHD Q & A
Does my child have ADHD?
Since most children are naturally active and have plenty of maturing to do, it can be difficult to know whether your child has ADHD. However, certain symptoms and signs may clue you in. Children with ADHD tend to:
Lack the ability to stay focused on a task and see it through to completion
Lose or misplace their personal items easily
Stray from simple instructions or tasks
Seem to not listen when spoken to
Talk or move around incessantly
Have trouble sitting still
It’s important to note that some children who show some signs of ADHD may not show signs of hyperactivity; some children with ADHD may appear to be more slow, spacey, or unfocused.
How do you treat ADHD?
Not all children respond to the same treatment in the same way. It may take some time to find the approach that works for your child.
ADHD can be treated with medication. Drugs that increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine can be helpful for improving your child’s cognition and attention.
Behavioral or psychotherapy might also be helpful for children with ADHD. When a child learns to monitor their behavior in the face of overwhelming stimuli, it’s possible for them to manage problematic behavior and create new, healthy patterns.
Cognitive behavioral therapy also helps children to improve mindfulness, or the ability to think before acting.
As an expert in pediatric medicine, Dr. Perkins can help you create a treatment plan that works best for you and your child.
How can I support my child with ADHD?
Parents and family members play a significant role in helping a child with ADHD. There are many actions you can take outside of medical care to support your child’s healthy growth and development, even with this difficult condition. Here are a few suggestions:
Practice self-care to have the energy and stamina required to take care of your child properly.
Get your child involved in sports or encourage regular physical activity. This will help improve your child’s sleep, which can improve symptoms of ADHD.
Create structure and routine in your child’s daily life. This can help establish patterns that support focus and attention.
Give your child healthy meals and snacks that support stable blood sugar.
Symptoms of ADHD can change over time, so it is also necessary to make pediatric visits a regular part of your child’s development.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Perkins, call the office or book your appointment online today.
