Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is usually seen in preschool children and those in their early school years. It is estimated that 3-5%, or approximately 2 million children in the United States, have ADHD. However, it is not a disorder that affects children only. Several studies done in recent years estimate that 30-70% of children with ADHD continue to exhibit symptoms in the adult years.

Try these treatments

Treatments for ADHD include medication management and behavioral treatment. Structuring a patient’s environment and being consistent in your approach can be helpful. Here are some hints to use when working with children with ADHD:

• Provide a schedule and routine in their day. Post the schedule where it can be readily seen.
• Organize their belongings. Have a place for everything and keep everything in its place.
• Write down important items that you want them to remember.
• Provide consistent rules that they can understand and follow. When rules are followed, give rewards, like praise, hugs, or high fives.
• Be the child’s advocate. Helping others understand the reason for the child’s behavior protects his or her self-esteem.

Teens with ADHD can present you with additional challenges. As the nurse, it is important for you to make sure the teen understands the rules for their behavior. Rules need to be straightforward and easy to understand. Posting rules along with the schedule for the day is helpful. If rules are broken, or the teen does not perform as expected in his or her care, present the discrepancy in a calm, matter-of-fact manner.

When working with adults with ADHD, either as patients or as colleagues, here are a few things that will help:

• Reduce distractions when talking with them, or give them assignments or directions.
• Clearly define what is expected of them.
• Give them time to learn and practice any tasks or skills expected of them.
• Present instructions verbally as well as in writing. Provide handouts and visual aids. Break information down into small steps.
• Allow them to take notes or tape-record important information.
• Give them the opportunity to ask questions and state back important information.

Editor’s note: This excerpt is adapted from Stressed Out About Difficult Patients, the newest book in the Stressed Out series. It will be released early next month.