ATTENTION
DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
You
will find information and links to resources for ADHD on this page.
At one time it was believed that ADHD was a childhood issue and that
we would somehow "outgrow" the condition. We now know that
that is not the case: adults frequently have symptoms of ADHD. However,
as adults, we often have better strategies for coping with the symptoms
and that's why the symptoms may not be as obvious. Whether you need
information for your child, for yourself, or a partner who you believe
may have ADHD, there is probably some information here for you.
Keep
coming back to look. As new research and resources become available,
they will be added here.
Adult
ADHD: A serious issue
Adults with
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can experience significant
problems in their private and professional functioning. Being distractable,
disorganized, “flighty”, disruptive, argumentative,
lacking attention to detail and starting but not finishing tasks
are typical symptoms of ADHD. Many will also have children diagnosed
with ADHD! (Yes, it runs in families!)
Adults with
ADHD are:
-
more
than twice as likely to have been arrested
-
47% more likely to have received more than one speeding ticket
in a 12-month period
-
78%
more likely to be addicted to tobacco
-
58%
more likely to use illegal drugs
-
twice
as likely to have been divorced
-
78%
more likely to be currently unemployed
Do you think you may have symptoms of ADHD?
Click here to take a brief self evaluation
screen for ADHD.
Or
take a more thorough 18 question test.
Want
a printable fact sheet about ADHD including prevalence, symptoms,
and treatment options? Click here
A screen is
not an evaluation! Solution Resources EAP has counselors specializing
in ADHD assessment and treatment. If your self screen indicates
you may have ADHD, and if you have concerns about your functioning
at school or work and in your private life, contact Solution Resources
EAP for an assessment. You may want to bring a print-out of the
screen with your responses to the appointment. Visits with the counselor
are free for employees of contracting companies. To learn more about
EAP services, click on the "services" menu button above.
ADHD Drugs Become a Family Affair
Parents of children taking ADHD medications are about nine times
more likely to also use the drugs than parents of children who aren't
on these medications, according to a prescription drug analysis out
today. The new study by Medco Health Solutions suggests that many
adults start taking ADHD medicine after they see its effects on their
children, or they get prescriptions for their children after trying
the medications themselves.
As Reported by USA Today (Sept 28, 2006)
Editor's comment: The above report highlights the
importance of a proper evaluation for the presence of ADHD. It also
is additional evidence that ADHD tends to run in families. Often children
are first diagnosed with the condition, and during the assessment
parents discover that they, too, have many of the symptoms of ADHD
but have never been diagnosed. Before taking any medication, you should
always have a proper diagnosis!
Ritalin Boosts Learning by Increasing Brain Plasticity
Doctors treat millions of children with Ritalin every year to improve their ability to focus on tasks, but scientists now report that Ritalin also directly enhances the speed of learning. In animal research, the scientists showed for the first time that Ritalin boosts both of these cognitive abilities by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine...
Please click here for the full story in PDF format.
Weight Loss and ADHD
It is estimated that 5-10 percent of all children may have ADHD.
Many are not diagnosed. Those that have the diagnosis may be on stimulant
medication like Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall or others. One of the
more common side effects of stimulants is that children either do
not gain weight (as they should when they are growing), or actually
lose weight. Find out what one expert suggests on how to deal with
this issue. Read
about it here.
