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Prevention
By Mayo Clinic staffThere's no way to prevent ADHD from occurring. However, there are a few steps that could help prevent problems caused by ADHD and assure your child is as physically, mentally and emotionally healthy as possible:
- During pregnancy, avoid anything that could harm fetal development. Don't drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes or use drugs.
- Protect your child from exposure to pollutants and toxins, including cigarette smoke, agricultural or industrial chemicals, and lead paint (found in some old buildings).
- Be consistent, set limits and have clear consequences for your child's behavior.
- Put together a daily routine for your child with clear expectations that include such things as bedtime, morning time, mealtime, simple chores and television.
- Avoid multitasking yourself when talking with your child, make eye contact when giving instructions, and set aside a few minutes every day to praise your child.
- Work with teachers and caregivers to identify problems early. If your child does have ADHD or another condition that interferes with learning or social interaction, early treatment can reduce the impact of the condition.
References
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder/adhd_booklet.pdf. Accessed Nov. 10, 2010.
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Nov. 10, 2010.
- Rucklidge JJ. Gender differences in attention/deficit hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America. 2010;33:357.
- Clinical practice guideline: Treatment of the school-aged child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Elk Grove Village, Ill. American Academy of Pediatrics. Subcommittee on Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Committee on Quality Improvement, et al. Pediatrics. 2001;108:1033.
- Rader R, et al. Current strategies in the diagnosis and treatment of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. American Family Physician. 2009;79:657.
- Spencer T. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In: Ebert MH, et al. Current Diagnosis & Treatment: Psychiatry. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y., McGraw Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3290305. Accessed Nov. 10, 2010.
- Wilms Floet AM, et al. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatrics in Review. 2010;31:56.
- Krisanaprakornkit T, et al. Meditation therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010:CD006507. http://www.cochrane.org/reviews. Accessed Nov. 10, 2010.
- Larzelere MM, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine usage for behavioral health indications. Primary Care Clinics. 2010;37:213.
- Swintak CC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 19, 2010.
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