Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 4/26/2008

Question
my four year old son has always been quite hyperactive but now its taking on a whole new dimension!! he is constantly on his feet, never sits down, doesnt comprehend danger and can be quite violent towards his siblings and sometimes myself.if i tell him off he laughs in my face and once when i smacked his hand he said it didnt hurt and laughed at me.he gets angry and cries quite easily but at school he is a different child, although for 3 months after he first started he could only do half sessions as he was so devastated at being away from me he made himself physically sick with crying. i just find his behaviour confusing as he can be a lovely little boy, both my younger brothers have adhd too, is it in the genes?

Answer
Firstly ADHD is genetically inherited. Next it tends to vary a little in intensity at various`ages. 4 year old are by nature forceful and frustrated especially if the have ADHD. Your description is unfortunately very typical of both a four year old behaviour and clearly ADHD. He is not too young to be neurologically assessed and treated medically if necessary.