A new app has been created to empower families and the broader team of people responsible for caring for children with ADHD. The app is geared towards helping them navigate their care journey through collaborative information sharing. | Picture: iStock
South African pharmaceutical company Pharma Dynamics has partnered with a tech partner to launch a new app in an effort to help parents take better care of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
“Beyond medication and behavioural therapy, a well-coordinated care team is at the heart of an effective treatment plan for children with ADHD. Dealing with the condition does not only pose challenges for the diagnosed child, but also families and educators can take strain if the patient is not well managed,” said central nervous system portfolio manager for Pharma Dynamics Abdurahmaan Kenny in a statement.
The company is a leading supplier of central nervous system medication and is a mental health advocate.
It introduced the app to empower families and the broader team of people responsible for caring for children with ADHD. The app is geared towards helping them navigate their care journey through collaborative information sharing.
Among its other features, the app will allow parents to invite teachers, healthcare professionals and other caregivers in a child’s life to monitor symptoms and side-effects collaboratively.
They will be able to stay on track by setting reminders for medication, activities and assessments and to keep a digital history of their child’s care journey and response to different stimuli.
According to Pharma Dynamics, parents and caregivers will be able to track seven symptoms: anxiety, appetite, sleep, hyperactivity, ability to listen, mood and concentration.
“Expansion of further symptoms are still under way as Pharma Dynamics continues to develop and evolve the app. The app can also be configured to support your child’s specific needs at any point along his/her journey.”
The app was developed in partnership with Augmental Technologies, and in collaboration with leading clinical and educational psychiatrists, sleep specialists, and occupational therapists to empower parents and healthcare practitioners with the right information at the right time to give ADHD children the best care.
“Our vision is to provide support for all families affected by mental health conditions; however, due to the acute need of ADHD children, we have decided to first launch an ADHD tool and to then expand the conditions on the app in the future,” explained Kenny.
“Making a product available to families at a time when they’re struggling and looking for answers was key. The solution is intended to close the loop and enable parents, educators and caregivers to be just as engaged in the treatment programme as the child is.”
Families with ADHD children aged between four and 13 are the primary user base of the app for now.
It can be accessed by scanning the QR code on all relevant ADHD medication distributed by Pharma Dynamics.
“ADHD currently affects one in 20 children and an estimated 1 million South African adults. When left undiagnosed or not properly treated, children are usually labelled naughty, delinquent, unteachable, lazy, lacking focus or being incompetent,” added Pharma Dynamics.
According to the brand, typical ADHD symptoms include a short attention span, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, forgetfulness, unable to sit still, listen or follow instructions, constant fidgeting, moving from one task to the next without completing it, acting without thinking, little or no sense of danger and anxiety, depression and dyslexia.
As such, getting an accurate diagnosis is critical.
“If you suspect your child may have ADHD, your family’s GP will be able to conduct an initial assessment and then refer him/her to a specialist for further valuation.”
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