Waterbury Hospital Offers

 An ADHD Program

WATERBURY — Recent medical reports have disclosed that a large number of young children are taking Ritalin or Prozac because their parents and physicians believe that they have attention deficit hyperactive disorder, or ADHD. Unfortunately, children may exhibit many of the disorder’s signs and symptoms, but not necessarily have ADHD. Most children have moments when they seem “hyperactive,” but a true disorder is present in only about 1 in 12 children under the age of 12.

To learn more about the signs and symptoms of ADHD, join the Kid Care Club of Waterbury Hospital for “Are all Children this Fidgety?” on Thursday, May 25, at 7 pm in the Bizzozero Conference Room, fourth floor at Waterbury Hospital. Child and adolescent psychiatrist Michel Mennesson, MD, of Behavioral Health Services at Waterbury Hospital, and pediatrician Neil Vitale, MD, will discuss the signs and symptoms of ADHD and the future for children who have been diagnosed.

There is no charge for the program, but pre-registration is required. Call the Kid Care Club of Waterbury Hospital at 203/575-5200.

Diagnosing ADHD is complicated and much like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, says Dr Mennesson. An accurate diagnosis requires an assessment by a well-trained professional, usually a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, child psychiatrist, or pediatric neurologist, who knows a great deal about ADHD.

“Recent studies have shown that a combined treatment model, using behavioral, educational, and medical approaches, is the best way to help children who have attention disorders,” said Dr Vitale, who runs a support group for parents.