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ADDA is currently busy organizing and coordinating
numerous events and activities in celebration of the 2006
National Awareness Day. ADDA will offer several
educational opportunities that day, including free public
screenings and free teleclasses led by the world’s
leading experts on AD/HD. In addition, corporations, individuals,
groups, coaches, doctors, psychologists and other professionals
are encouraged to join ADDA in its efforts. “We invite
corporations, and other healthcare, education and advocacy
groups to partner with us in an effort to coordinate National
Awareness Day activities”, states Pamela Milazzo,
Chairman of the ADDA Awareness Day Committee. She adds, “We
also encourage local advocacy and support groups to sponsor
their own Awareness Day events and to provide us with the
details of those events. We are happy to advertise both your
group and your event on our website, and to provide your
group with an Awareness Day Kit containing informational
materials that can be shared with your membership. Individuals
interested in sharing their AD/HD story with others are also
encouraged to submit a short essay of 200 words or less.
Essays will be posted on ADDA’s website and rotated
on a weekly basis.” The schedule
of Awareness day events and teleclasses, Group Event Information
Forms, essay rules, suggestions for how to participate or
partner with ADDA, as well as the Awareness Day Kit can all
be found on the Awareness Day link at www.add.org. |
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| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD, formerly known as ADD) is a neurobiological disorder that affects millions of Americans across the lifespan. It is estimated that between 3 to 7 percent of school-age children are affected. In recent years, studies have shown that an estimated 30-70 percent of children with AD/HD continue to exhibit symptoms in the adult years. They often feel that it is impossible to get organized, stick to a job, or keep appointments. The normal everyday tasks, like life management, being on time and being productive on the job, can be major challenges for an adult with AD/HD. Typically, however, adults with AD/HD are unaware that they have the disorder. Left untreated, AD/HD can cause devastating consequences, including failure in school and the workplace, antisocial behavior, encounters with the justice system, interpersonal difficulties and substance abuse. |
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Studies by the National Institute of Health and others
consistently reveal that through proper and comprehensive
diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms of AD/HD can be substantially
decreased and the quality of life for the individual can
be improved. There is no single test to diagnose AD/HD, and
no single treatment approach is appropriate for everyone.
Treatment needs to be tailored to the individual and should
address all areas of need.
Terry Dixon, a medical director
from Traverse City, Michigan, specializing in the diagnosis
and treatment of AD/HD adults, adolescents and children stresses
the importance of finding a qualified doctor. He states, “If you suspect that you
have AD/HD, find a practitioner who is really knowledgeable
about AD/HD. Not every doctor who administers treatment has
the education necessary to do so. AD/HD treatment is not as
simple as going in and getting your Ritalin prescription. A
good treatment plan should also include a comprehensive explanation
of the medication, its side effects, and what an individual
should and should not expect when using the medication. It
should also take into account any co-existing conditions that
are common to AD/HD. When looking for a physician to diagnose
or treat you, look for someone who attends conferences and
continually updates their knowledge of the different classes
and combinations of medication”. He adds, “Beyond
that, you need a practitioner who is a good listener. Adults
oftentimes come into treatment beaten up emotionally and feeling
like a failure. The physician treating them needs to be open
and receptive to that individual’s feelings, and capable
of responding to them in a non-judgmental way.”
Although medication is an integral part of the multi-modal
treatment of AD/HD in children and the cornerstone of treatment
in adults, it is important to note that “pills do not substitute for skills.” This
means that medication alone is not sufficient to help a person
improve. There may be a variety of behavioral, social, academic,
vocational or relationship concerns for the adult with AD/HD.
Individual psychotherapy and/or coaching by a professional
having experience with adults with AD/HD can help adults learn
to manage their lives.
Education is critical to help in this struggle. ADDA President,
David Giwerc, states, “At ADDA we know that educating
the public is the foundation for helping AD/HD adults get better.
The greatest positive change and positive growth in the lives
of adults with AD/HD starts from a platform of education. Part
of the successful comprehensive treatment and management of
AD/HD must begin with each individual with AD/HD educating
themselves about their own particular kind of AD/HD.
ADDA is the world’s leading non-profit organization for
adults with AD/HD. ADDA has lead nationwide Awareness Day activities
since its inception in an effort to accomplish its mission
to provide hope, encouragement and connection worldwide, for
adults with AD/HD and the professionals who serve them.
For more information, go to the Awareness Day link
on ADDA’s website at www.add.org or
contact Awareness Day Committee Chairman, Pamela Milazzo at 908-301-0733. |
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