Health Problems of the School-Age Child

Question 1

How is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosed?

Answer 1

• Typical onset before age 7 years
• Diagnosis is based on observation of behavioral symptoms
• Vanderbilt Assessment used to screen for ADHD (parents and teachers)

Question 2

How do you manage ADHD?

Answer 2

• Behavioral therapy – positive reinforcement
• Structure (e.g., classroom, home)
• Psychotherapy
• Medication

Question 3

What medications can you take for ADHD?

Answer 3

• Non-Stimulant
  ~ Straterra
• Stimulants
  ~ Dexedrine
  ~ Adderall
  ~ Ritalin

Question 4

What are some side effects of ADHD medication (stimulants)?

Answer 4

Insomnia, anorexia and weight loss, hypertension, growth suppression.

Question 5

Risk factors of suicide.

Answer 5

• History of depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism
• Family history of suicide attempts
• Exposure to violence
• Impulsivity
• Access to lethal means
• Bullying
• History of substance use/abuse
• Use of Social Media
• Experienced an acute loss or rejection
• Lack of access to mental health care

Question 6

What are some barriers to mental health care?

Answer 6

• Stigma (Internal/External) related to mental health
• Lack of insurance or lack of insurance coverage
• Lack of mental health providers (long waitlist)
  ~ High impact on Emergency Departments
• High cost
• Long distance to mental health providers (somewhat lessened by the recent increase in Telehealth, but barriers r/t state laws)

Question 7

When does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend universal screening for suicide?

Answer 7

Beginning at 12 years of age

Question 8

How did COVID-19 affect children’s mental health?

Answer 8

• Mental health conditions have heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic
• From Feb to March 2021, there was an increase of 50% in girls aged 12 to 17 that attempted suicide.