Question
A 13-year-old student often shows signs of inattention in class, and the parents are worried about it. How should attention deficit be handled in children of this age?
Answer
It is normal for 13-year-olds to have shorter attention spans, which is a characteristic of this age group. Parents should not worry excessively. However, if a child also exhibits signs of inattention, short attention span, hyperactivity, and feelings of guilt, accompanied by learning difficulties, behavioral problems, and poor recovery, then the possibility of ADHD should be considered. For younger children, it is recommended to first undergo psychological diagnosis and treatment, with the main methods including behavioral therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. If the treatment is not effective and the situation worsens, medication treatment may be considered.