Hotline Gives Parents Expert Advice On ADHD (NAPSA)—Although attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder among children, many families aflfected by ADHD face challenges in identifying and managing the disorder, and often don’t know whereto turn fer guidance. In fact, a recent Harris Interac- tive survey found that 64 percent of doctors believe a lack of information prevents many children with ADHD from getting appropriate treatment. To help those affected byADHD receive accurate and credible information on the disorder, Shire US Inc. is sponsoring for the third con- secutive year, ADHD Experts on Call, a national toll-free telephone hotline (1-888-ASK-ADHD) tha allows callers to seek one-on-one advice from leading ADHD experts, including doctors, school nurses, teachers, and advocates. In addi- tion, callers may request a free booklet about ADHDwith information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. ADHD Experts on Call is available Monday, Sept. 10 through Wednesday, Sept. 12 from 8 a.m. te 10:36 p.m. EDT. Experts also can be reached by lozging on to www.adhdexpertsoncall.com during the same days and hours. The experts participating in ADHD Experts on Call will not dispense specific medical adviceor recommend any particular course of action. Instead, they can serve as sources of information on topics such as: * How teachers should approach parents if they suspect a student has ADHD * How parents can approach teachers about their child’s ADHD-related needs * The importance of properly diagnosing and treating ADHD * Dispelling the myth that children with ADHD are just lazy or misbehaving “ADHD presents many challenges, and can be confusing and frustrating,” said Sandy Jones, Ph.D., a special needs educator and mother of seven who will be taking part im the hotline. “ADHD Experts on Call provides reliable guidance that helps parents tackle this complex disorder. With courage and assistance, families can learn to manage ADHDand help their children lead productive and satisfying lives.” While the hotline is available to anyone whe has questions about ADHD, it may be especially beneficial for parents who maysee signs of the disorder at the beginning of the school year—a time whenreferrals for diagnoses of ADHD are made. About three percent to seven percent of school-age children are affected by ADHD. These kids often are impulsive, hyperactive, and/or easily distracted—difficulties serious enough to interfere with their ability to function normally in academic or social settings. In addition, up to 66 percent of children with ADHD will continue to show symptoms into aduithood. ADHD usually responds well to a combination of treatments, including educational approaches, psychological and behavioral therapies, and medications. Although there is no cure for ADHD, physi- cians, parents, teachers, and nurses are finding ways to help people with the condition adaptto their academic, social, and work environments. For expert advice about ADHD, mark your calendar and call 1-888-ASK-ADHDor log on to www.adhdexpertsoncall com.
