September 7 Marks National AD/HD Awareness Day

U.S. SENATE RECOGNIZES AD/HD AS A MAJOR PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN

Tuesday, September 7, will mark the inaugural AD/HD Awareness Day, highlighting the significant impact of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on millions of American children, families and adults.

In a resolution (S.370), introduced by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and co-sponsored by Senator Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), the U.S. Senate recognized AD/HD as a major public health concern and encouraged the federal government to raise public awareness about AD/HD and to improve access to mental health services for children and adults with the illness.

AD/HD is a neurobiological disorder that affects an estimated 3 to 7 percent of school-age children and an estimated 4 percent of adults across racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. While the exact cause of the disorder is unknown, studies indicate that AD/HD runs in families and suggest that genetic inheritance is an important risk factor. AD/HD is characterized by impulsivity, inattention, and in some cases, hyperactivity.

"The volume of real scientific research about AD/HD is immense. Unfortunately, junk science and misinformation have increasingly dominated public discussions about AD/HD, causing confusion in the minds of many," said E. Clarke Ross, D.P.A., CEO of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), and father of a child with special challenges. "Efforts such as AD/HD Awareness Day allow us to revert the focus to legitimate science, clear up confusion surrounding the disorder and get people the help they need."

Symptoms of AD/HD can include:

* Difficulty attending to details

* Making careless mistakes

* Difficulty sustaining attention to tasks

* Failure to follow instructions carefully and completely

* Losing or forgetting important things

* Often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming

* Running or climbing excessively

* Talking excessively

* Frequently blurting out answers and/or interrupting.

In addition to these symptoms, adolescents and adults with AD/HD may also feel fidgety and restless. Chronic problems with time management and organization are also characteristics of AD/HD.

"A significant number of adults are suffering needlessly in work, social and family relationships due to unidentified and untreated AD/HD," explains Michele Novotni, Ph.D., CEO of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), the organization dedicated to helping adults with AD/HD that spearheaded the initiative for the resolution. "Unfortunately, even with all the information now available about adult AD/HD, there is still a great deal of misunderstanding and lack of knowledge that stop people from getting the help they need."

"AD/HD Awareness Day will help to decrease the stigma that prevents millions of children and adults from seeking the care they need," said Michael Faenza, president and CEO of the National Mental Health Association (NMHA). "The American public needs to know that recent medical advances and improved treatment programs allow most people to lead fuller, more productive lives."

The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) and the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) have joined several other healthcare, education and consumer advocacy organizations to mark the day.

For more information about AD/HD in children, adolescents or adults, contact CHADD at 1-800-233-4050 or visit www.chadd.org. For information about AD/HD in adults and Awareness Day events, contact the ADDA at 484-945-2101 or visit www.add.org.

Information about AD/HD and its impact on families, general information about mental health issues and mental health resources are available from NMHA's Resource Center at 1-800-969-6642 or online at www.nmha.org

The world's leading adult AD/HD organization, ADDA provides information, resources and networking opportunities to help adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder lead better lives. ADDA provides hope, empowerment and connections worldwide by bringing together science and the human experience for both adults with AD/HD and professionals who serve them.

With more than 18,000 members and 200 affiliates nationwide, CHADD is the nation's leading advocacy organization serving families and individuals affected by AD/HD. CHADD works to improve the lives of people affected by AD/HD through collaborative leadership, advocacy, research, education and support: CHADD CARES.

The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans through advocacy, education, research, and service.

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