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The ADHD symptom tracker, a tool any parent can use
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly abbreviated as ADHD, is a medical condition that is often diagnosed in children. Modern parents can take advantage of CareClinic and use it as an ADHD symptom tracker, in order to manage their child’s medication and keep track of the different symptoms they may experience.
Why is using a symptom tracker app so important?
Keeping an ADHD planner can be used by any parent. When a child is diagnosed with this condition, it all becomes about taking the medication at the right time, going to therapy and managing the different health symptoms. With just one practical app, one can manage all of these issues in a highly effective manner.
ADHD, a condition affecting present-generation children
The condition affects both behavior and mental functioning, the diagnosis being most commonly made in children aged between 6 and 12 years. The worldwide prevalence of ADHD is 5%, while in the United Kingdom 4% of boys and 1% of girls are diagnosed with this disorder. As you will read below, ADHD causes children to become impulsive, hyperactive, and persistently inattentive.
What happens if no intervention measures are taken? Unfortunately, the child will develop negative behavioral patterns, which are highly likely to influence not only school performance but also his/her social life. This will automatically translate into adulthood problems, with a higher risk of substance abuse and relationship conflicts.
One might also present a higher risk of depression and/or anxiety, having trouble staying organized and suffering from chronic lateness, as well as forgetfulness. Adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD in their childhood are more predisposed to crime.
The treatment for ADHD consists mainly of medication and therapy. Utilizing the CareClinic app, one can obtain additional support for managing the different treatment aspects. Parents can use the app to review the treatment plan, make adjustments when necessary and ensure that the child takes the medication at the right time (pill reminder).
Why do I need an ADHD Symptom Tracker App?
Having a child with ADHD can modify your life, in ways you did not even imagine. Suddenly, you will have to learn how to organize your time more efficiently, so that you can cover school, therapy, doctor appointments and so on.
At the same time, you will need to make sure that your child takes his/her treatment. You can use the CareClinic as an ADHD symptom tracker to manage your child’s condition effectively.
For example, it can generate all sorts of reminders, helping you control not only the therapy sessions but the rest of the treatment. The pill reminder ensures that the child follows the medication plan to the letter, obtaining positive results.
If you have just found out that your child suffers from ADHD, you are more likely to change the treatment plan in a short period of time. This is especially true for the actual medication, as the doctor will try out several drugs and adjust the dosage accordingly. Thankfully, you can adjust the app reminders in accordance with the prescribed instructions (timing and dosage).
CareClinic is much more than a medication reminder to be used for kids with ADHD. You can use it to be reminded of upcoming doctor appointments, as well as any other engagements (therapy sessions or programs involving parents). Everything logged will result in charts that can be shared with your care provider to assess the efficacy of the treatment.
You can trust the app to keep track of various drugs, as well as their side effects. The application can be useful for measuring the progress of your child and determining whether his/her current treatment is effective or not. You can use it to record the different manifestations, as well as health measurements that might be necessary (blood pressure, pulse, weight, etc.).
CareClinic compiles all data into a comprehensive report that you may use to quantify your progress. You can print this report and take it to your child’s doctor, using the data to adjust medication dosage and make sure that the treatment plan is on the right track.
The app can also be used as a behavior tracker, which is done by recording measurements and recording any issues in the diary section to maintain your notes. As a parent, you learn to rely on such an application, as it is both user-friendly and practical. It is structured in such a manner that it allows parents to monitor their child’s behavior and reduce the severity/frequency of manifested symptoms. All of these benefits translate into an improvement where home, school and social life are concerned.
What should I know about ADHD?
ADHD is one of the most frequently diagnosed behavioral disorders in children. The lack of attention, combined with impulsivity and hyperactivity, completes the clinical picture. Of course, given the fact that children might exhibit such behaviors without actually suffering from ADHD, it can be difficult to reach this diagnosis.
A specialist physician can diagnose a child with ADHD, in the situation that the above-mentioned manifestations are persistent. If they have a negative influence on school performance, as well as on his/her social setting and home life, the diagnosis is even clearer. Without intervention, the condition can affect intellectual performance, as well as social and psychological development.
What are the symptoms of ADHD?
In describing the manifestations of ADHD, it is not enough to say that a child suffers from inattention. Scratching beneath the surface, we would discover a child with a reduced attention span, who is distracted by even the smallest stimulus. He will also forget easily, make mistakes and be unable to follow directions, constantly shifting from one task to the other.
Like a hyperactive child, he will not be able to sit in one spot, fidgeting and trying to move on to the next activity. He might also talk with an increased frequency, asking more questions than normal. The parent might describe the child as not having enough patience, jumping into activities and not having any fears.
Impulsivity is another main characteristic of the ADHD clinical picture. Due to the inability to sit still and feel the need to move, the child can disrupt the lessons and influence, other children, to follow a negative behavior. He will talk without being asked, blurt out answers and even interrupt his fellow classmates.
ADHD can be presented in adults, with hyperactivity, impulsiveness and lack of attention being present as well. An adult suffering from ADHD will have difficulties maintaining his focus, being unable to stay organized and choose priorities. A low resilience to stress, mood swings and an ill temper can be present, with a higher risk of emotional disturbances (depression, anxiety).
How is ADHD diagnosed?
Despite extensive research, there is no standardized test that can be used to diagnose this condition. The assessment of the child is generally performed by a pediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist; the specialist will observe the child performing various tasks. He/she will also inquire about the school performance, drawing conclusions from it.
The ADHD symptom tracker of CareClinic is highly useful in keeping track of the symptoms exhibited by the child. The diagnosis of ADHD is made when the above-mentioned manifestations are present for more than six months, either at home or at school.
Moreover, one has to notice the negative influence of these symptoms on social, mental, or school performance. Underlying conditions, such as anxiety and depression, have to be ruled out as well.
What are the causes of ADHD?
According to modern research, ADHD is caused by brain changes, affecting the areas responsible for focus, attention, and impulsivity. Regardless, one cannot pinpoint an exact cause for this condition. This is why there are various strategies available on how to manage ADHD.
As for the risk factors, genetic predisposition stands at the top of the list. A family history of ADHD increases the risk, as well as brain chemical imbalances, birth problems (lack of oxygen, low birth weight) and substance abuse during pregnancy (smoking and drinking are also to blame). Children who have been neglected present a higher risk of ADHD.
How is ADHD Treated?
The intervention measures recommended for children with ADHD depend on how severe the condition actually is, as well as on the symptoms experienced. Medication, therapy, and parent education can help the child achieve an improved outcome, as the condition cannot be cured.
Ritalin is one of the most common drugs prescribed to children suffering from ADHD, stimulating the release of dopamine (improved attention and better self-control). In the case of discomforting side effects, other drugs might be considered. The doctor might also adjust the dosage of the medication in accordance with the needs of the child. Special education might be useful to improve learning abilities and focus, while psychotherapy and occupational therapy can be beneficial for impulse control and attention. Holistic care and alternative treatments are sometimes considered.
When it comes to the best ADHD medication management, CareClinic is an excellent choice. Apart from reminding of the medication intake, it serves as a health diary and also allows parents to record health measurements at regular intervals. These can be ultimately used to adjust the medication plan accordingly, ensuring optimal results for the said treatment.
To get started with tracking and finding correlations and triggers for ADHD, click here.
