Understanding ADHD In Adults (NAPSA)—Whenthinking about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), most people picture a hyperactive child in the grocery store, a disruptive kid in the classroom or a child who takes longer than necessary to finish a homework assignment. But what you may not realize is that while ADHD affects millions of children,it is also a dis- order that affects approximately 8 million adults. WhatIs Adult ADHD? Although many people tend to think of ADHD asa childhood disorder, up to 80 percent of children with ADHD will exhibit symptoms into adolescence and up to 65 percent of children will continue to exhibit symptoms Lenard Adler into adulthood. Adults with untreated ADHD may be perceived as “scatterbrained,” “disorganized”or “lazy,” but what many people are unawareof is that ADHD is an impairing neurological disorder, not merely an organizational or behavioral problem. In his new book entitled “Scattered Minds,” Dr. Lenard Adler, director of the Adult ADHD Program at New York University, pre- sents the latest information for the growing numberof adults who suspect or know that they have ADHD. The book reviews previously unrecognized signals of ADHD, misconceptions about this disorder and information on getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. How Is ADHD Diagnosed? While there is no single objective test to determine if someone has ADHD, “Scattered Minds” includes a simple self-screener, adopted by the World Health Organization, that helps the reader assess whether they have symptoms of ADHD. Dr. Adler urges readers to fill out the screener and bring it to their physician for a formal evaluation. How Is ADHD Treated? Although there is no “cure” for ADHD, there are accepted treatments that specifically help te eS COTELC eC prescriptive medications acLCa UL ET ror] UE yaaa US Hope and Help for ADULTS with ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER aN a) ceeaeete ianny with Mari Florence CL SL EUR Clee coauthor of Driven to Distraction CT) patients control its symptoms. In his book “Seattered Minds,” Dr. Adler explains that the most com- mon treatments include educational approaches, psychological or behavioral modification, and prescription medication. Adults with untreated ADHD may experience greater risk for lower educational and occupational achievement, problems in relationships with family and friends, and greater risk for driving accidents and traffic tickets. Adults who have not been treated for ADHD are 50 percent more likely to be unemployed as well as twice as likely to smokecigarettes. “Scattered Minds” reveals the previously unrecognized signals for adults who suspect they may have ADHD and underscores that ADHDis a very real and accepted medical condition. Adults with ADHD mayhavegreaterdifficulty dealing with everyday problems when comparedto their peers and may even face challenges in their personal lives and careers that their peers do not encounter. If you suspect you or somebody you know may have adult ADHD, pick up a copy of “Scattered Minds” and take the simple screening test. To purchase “Scattered Minds” or to get more information about adult ADHD, visit www.ADHDsupport.com or the Web site for the adult ADHD program at the NYU School of Medicine at www.med.nyu.edu.
