ADHD Information

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects approximately 8% of school-age children.

The three main ADHD symptoms in children are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder may have difficulty in school, troubled relationships with family and peers, and low self-esteem.

To help you determine whether your child exhibits any of the symptoms of ADHD, review the chart below. To learn more, please review our online ADHD links and ADHD resources.

Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD include those listed below:

Inattention

To be diagnosed with ADHD, your child must have six of the following ADHD symptoms for at least six months and to an extent that it disrupts his or her development.

  • Has lack of attention to detail or makes careless mistakes.
  • Has difficulty paying attention.
  • Doesn't pay attention when spoken to directly.
  • Doesn't follow instructions or fails to complete homework or other tasks.
  • Often seems disorganized.
  • Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort or concentration.
  • Often loses things needed for tasks (toys, pencils, homework).
  • Becomes easily distracted.
  • Is forgetful.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

To be diagnosed with ADHD, your child must have six of the following symptoms for at least six months and to an extent that it disrupts his or her development.

  • Often fidgets.
  • Gets up and moves around during activities in situations when remaining seated is expected.
  • Often runs or climbs in inappropriate situations.
  • Is unable to play quietly.
  • Seems "driven by a motor."
  • Talks excessively.
  • Blurts out answers before complete question is given.
  • Can't seem to wait for his or her turn.
  • Interrupts or intrudes on others often.

To confirm if your child has ADHD or for more information about ADHD, contact your child's doctor.

View a list of commonly asked questions about how to correctly apply and remove the Daytrana patch each day. Read more

Important Safety Information

Tell your doctor about any heart conditions, including structural abnormalities, your child or a family member may have. Inform your doctor immediately if the child develops symptoms that suggest heart problems, such as chest pain or fainting.

Daytrana should not be used if the child has: significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients of Daytrana; glaucoma; discontinued in the last 14 days or is taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); tics, or family history or diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome.

Tell your doctor before using Daytrana if the child: is being treated for or has symptoms of depression (e.g. sadness, worthlessness, or hopelessness) or bipolar disorder; has family history of tics; has abnormal thoughts or visions, hears abnormal sounds, or has been diagnosed with psychosis; has had seizures or abnormal EEGs; has or has had high blood pressure; exhibits aggressive behavior or hostility. Tell your doctor immediately if the child develops any of these conditions/symptoms while using Daytrana.

In clinical studies, side effects were generally mild to moderate. The most common side effects reported with Daytrana were decreased appetite, sleeplessness, sadness/crying, twitching, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, tics, and affect lability (mood swings). Aggression, new abnormal thoughts/behaviors, mania, and growth suppression have been associated with use of drugs of this type. Tell your doctor if the child has blurred vision while using Daytrana.

Abuse of Daytrana can lead to dependence.

Daytrana should be applied daily to clean, dry skin, which is free of any cuts or irritation. Skin redness or itching is common with Daytrana. Allergic skin rash may occur.

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