Has your teen suddenly begun to score poorly on tests? Or have you noticed impulsive or risky behavior, such as drunken driving or drug and alcohol abuse, that you haven’t seen previously?

“Sometimes, parents notice a change in their child after some major life changes like switching schools or [...]]]> Has your teen suddenly begun to score poorly on tests? Or have you noticed impulsive or risky behavior, such as drunken driving or drug and alcohol abuse, that you haven’t seen previously?

“Sometimes, parents notice a change in their child after some major life changes like switching schools or starting college — and these changes could point to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),” says Mark Groshek, MD, a Kaiser Permanente doctor who has written extensively about ADHD.

Teens and younger children with ADHD often can function and work around more classic symptoms involving focus, paying attention in class, and inability to sit in one place. While some ADHD symptoms may not stand out, ADHD left untreated in children and adolescents could lead to depression or job instability later in life.

Other less obvious symptoms among children and teens include oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder. With ODD, children often have bad tempers, instigate arguments with parents, teachers, and other adults, and purposely break rules.

Children with ODD sometimes develop conduct disorder either in their preteen or teenage years.

“Kids with conduct disorder show defiant and disruptive behavior,” Groshek says. “They might hurt people or violate social rules, often in time spans lasting six months or more.”

If you suspect ADHD, Groshek recommends making an appointment with your pediatrician, who will examine the child to rule out other problems such as learning disabilities or depression. The doctor or a psychologist will then use the American Psychiatric Association criteria to evaluate your child for ADHD. Current treatments include counseling and/or behavior management techniques and social skills training. Medication, which recent studies show are not harmful, may be recommended to treat ADHD symptoms.

Would you like to access your health records from home, e-mail your doctor, order prescriptions and better manage your health online?

You can with My health manager. An online program available to members.  In fact, more than 3 million Kaiser Permanente members are already taking advantage of this unique application.

In addition [...]]]> Would you like to access your health records from home, e-mail your doctor, order prescriptions and better manage your health online?

You can with My health manager. An online program available to members.  In fact, more than 3 million Kaiser Permanente members are already taking advantage of this unique application.

In addition to the existing health tools on weight management, pain management, and  smoking cessation that are a part of My health manager, Kaiser Permanente recently introduced online healthy lifestyle programs for diabetes, depression, insomnia, and back pain to the site, and more.

See how members are using My health manager to improve their health.

Depression is more than just a fleeting case of “the blues.” Estimates suggest that about one in five U.S. adults struggle with depression at least once in their lives. And some won’t even realize that they’re being affected.

Learn how to overcome depression.

Think you may be battling depression? Our medical team offers information about the condition, where it stems from and what impact it can have on your life. Arm yourself with our basic facts about depression.

Can depression be hurting your well-being? Dr. David Price and Dr. Anthony Bertagnolli tell you who’s at risk of depression and the factors that commonly contribute to their level of risk. Learn how depression affects men, women, and children differently and why it can hamper people's lives if [...]]]> Can depression be hurting your well-being? Dr. David Price and Dr. Anthony Bertagnolli tell you who’s at risk of depression and the factors that commonly contribute to their level of risk. Learn how depression affects men, women, and children differently and why it can hamper people's lives if left untreated.