eslth G| Paying Attention To Gender Differences And ADHD In addition to improving ADHD symptomsof inattention, hyperac- (NAPSA)—A growing number of parents, teachers and doctors have realized the different ways tivity and impulsivity, most chil- are affected. In fact, a recent sur- relationships with families, self- girls who have Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) dren taking medication said treatment has helped improve their vey found girls with ADHD have more difficulties in areas of social esteem, and friendships. New Treatment Available Despite the benefits of appro- ADHD, girls reported having more who take ADHD medication during the day at school, 38 percent of children said taking medicine at school makes them feel embarrassed. New medications taken once-daily in the morning are now available to treat ADHD. Ritalin development including selfesteem, social relationships and family relationships than boys with the disorder. Before being treated for their difficulty making friends, getting along with parents, and focusing on schoolwork than boys with the disorder. Girls were also more likely than boys to say it was “very” or “somewhat” difficult to feel good about themselves or feel happy. More than half of girls’ parents thought ADHD affected their daughters’ self-esteem “a great deal.” The survey was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corpo- ration and included interviews with parents of children with ADHD, adolescents with ADHD aged 12 to 17, teachers and the general public. Girls More Likely To Go Undiagnosed According to one estimate, as many as 75 percent of girls with ADHD may be missed. Experts believe this is because girls exhibit different symptoms than boys; they can be less hyperactive and more often show symptomsof inattention, such as forgetfulness, timidity, difficulty listening, anxiety and being highly distractible. Overall, research suggests that children with more inattentive symptoms are accurately diagnosed only 50 percent of the time. priate treatment, among those Ps oe > WO lt’s important for parents to know how ADHD affects boys and girls differently. Once it was indicated their child might have ADHD however, the survey results showed that almost all (92 percent) parents of girls were “very willing” to seek a medical opinion, compared to 73 percent of boys’ parents. “Survey results suggest that girls’ parents are more willing to seek medical assistance for their child’s symptoms than boys’ parents,” said Patricia Quinn, M.D., Director, National Center for Gen- der Issues and ADHD. “This may be due to a number of factors, LA (methylphenidate HCl) extended release capsules have been proven safe and effective in the treatment of ADHD. In addition, efficacy has also been shown in patients with predominantly inat- tentive symptoms. Ritalin LA is generally recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment regimen including behavior modification and counseling. Ritalin LA is a schedule II controlled substance. It is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to the drug or to Ritalin, in patients with glau- including the impact ADHD has on girls’ social development, the fact that the problem tends to go unaddressed longer in girls, and tory or diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome. In addition, the medica- and pervasive hyperactive symp- treatment with monoamine oxi- the misperception that the chronic toms of ADHD in males is just a case of ‘boys being boys’.” Most Parents Surveyed Were Satisfied with Child’s Treatment Almost all parents whose chil- dren are being treated with medication said that the treatment has helped their child. coma, in patients with motortics, and in patients with a family his- tion is contraindicated during dase inhibitors and should not be taken until at least 14 days after discontinuation of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. For more information about ADHD, visit www.adhdinfo.com. Please see full prescribing information about Ritalin LA at www.pharma.us.novartis.com.
