Post by Patti on Aug 1, 2004 11:13:51 GMT -5
Host of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Ty Pennington, to participate in ADHD Experts on Call
Program
Nation’s Top Experts to Answer Questions About Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
New York – To help patients, families and caregivers better understand attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (AD/HD) and dispel some common myths about the condition, Shire US Inc. will host the sixth annual ADHD Experts on Call on Monday, August 9, 2004 from 8 A.M. to midnight EDT. This year, the host of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Ty Pennington, who was diagnosed with AD/HD as a child, will talk about his own experience managing the disorder, and answer calls along with some of the nation’s top AD/HD authorities at the toll-free telephone hotline, 1-888-ASK-ADHD.
The hotline is designed to provide “live” access to English- and Spanish-speaking experts including
physicians, school nurses, educators, and advocates who can answer questions regarding the disorder. In
addition, a confidential, one-on-one on-line forum will be available at www.ADHDExpertsOnCall.com throughout the day.
AD/HD is the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorder in children and adolescents. Approximately two million U.S. children, or three to seven percent of all school-aged children are diagnosed with AD/HD. In
addition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, up to 65 percent of children with AD/HD
continue to exhibit symptoms into adulthood. Over the last five years, the ADHD Experts on Call have fielded more than 16,000 inquiries and have helped many people better understand the condition and how it may affect their families.
Representing ADDA for the second year in Experts on Call is Michele Novotni, Ph.D., CEO of ADDA, author of What Does Everybody Else Know That I Don’t and co-author of Adult AD/HD. “Last year, I was surprised and thrilled with the number of calls that flooded the phones. The lines were so busy that they brought us food so we could stay connected throughout the day. Even then, we still were not able to answer all the calls.”
Ty Pennington says, “I know what’s it’s like to grow up with AD/HD and how important it is for parents, caregivers and patients, to have access to accurate information. I’m thrilled to be a part of ADHD Experts on Call. I hope that by working with all of these great people and sharing my and my family’s experience, I’ll
help other kids and families understand that there are people out there ready to help them and that it’s
possible to live a full, productive life with AD/HD.”
While the exact number of adults with AD/HD is unknown, it is estimated that four percent of the U.S. adult population is affected by AD/HD. A recent national survey, “Capturing America’s Attention,” found that the
repercussions of AD/HD may have limited adults with the condition from reaching their full academic and
occupational potential, and limit their satisfaction with themselves and their relationships. According to the
survey:
- Adults with AD/HD are three times more likely to suffer from stress, depression or other problems with emotion;
- Adults with AD/HD are more likely to engage in harmful or antisocial behaviors, like smoking and drug
use;
- Adults with AD/HD have less stable relationships than those adults without AD/HD, as reflected in higher
rates of divorce and/or separation (twice the likelihood); and
- Adults with AD/HD tend to report lower educational achievement and are less likely to be high school or
college graduates.
As the start of the school year approaches, ADHD Experts on Call provides a valuable resource to parents and teachers who may not be familiar with AD/HD, but suspect that their child or a child in their care is showing symptoms of the disorder. In addition, many adults still deal with the symptoms and long-term effects of AD/HD, and may want to call and learn about ways to manage their symptoms of AD/HD. While the experts participating in ADHD Experts on Call will not provide specific medical advice for patients or parents or recommend a particular course of action, they can provide helpful information on topics such as:
- Proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment of AD/HD in children and adults; and
- How to manage AD/HD as an all-day disorder: before, during, and after school;
- Common myths and misconceptions about AD/HD.
- How teachers may approach parents if they suspect a student has AD/HD;
- How parents can approach teachers about their child's AD/HD-related needs;
“While this program doesn’t replace a physician visit, parents and adult patients can learn valuable
information about AD/HD symptoms, diagnosis, support groups and treatment options that can help them
better understand the disorder,” said Dr. George Bright, Medical Director, Adolescent Health Center in Midlothian, Va., and first-time ADHD Experts on Call participant. “Despite the widespread prevalence of
AD/HD, many parents, patients and caregivers are confused by conflicting information about the disorder
and don't know where to turn for help.”
Although there is no “cure” for AD/HD, physicians, parents, teachers, and other professionals are finding
ways to help people with the condition adapt to their academic, social, and work environments. Callers also
may request a free booklet about AD/HD with information on symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment options. For those who would prefer to use the Internet, a confidential, one-on-one, on-line forum also will be available at www.ADHDExpertsOnCall.com throughout the day.
Program
Nation’s Top Experts to Answer Questions About Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
New York – To help patients, families and caregivers better understand attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (AD/HD) and dispel some common myths about the condition, Shire US Inc. will host the sixth annual ADHD Experts on Call on Monday, August 9, 2004 from 8 A.M. to midnight EDT. This year, the host of ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Ty Pennington, who was diagnosed with AD/HD as a child, will talk about his own experience managing the disorder, and answer calls along with some of the nation’s top AD/HD authorities at the toll-free telephone hotline, 1-888-ASK-ADHD.
The hotline is designed to provide “live” access to English- and Spanish-speaking experts including
physicians, school nurses, educators, and advocates who can answer questions regarding the disorder. In
addition, a confidential, one-on-one on-line forum will be available at www.ADHDExpertsOnCall.com throughout the day.
AD/HD is the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorder in children and adolescents. Approximately two million U.S. children, or three to seven percent of all school-aged children are diagnosed with AD/HD. In
addition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, up to 65 percent of children with AD/HD
continue to exhibit symptoms into adulthood. Over the last five years, the ADHD Experts on Call have fielded more than 16,000 inquiries and have helped many people better understand the condition and how it may affect their families.
Representing ADDA for the second year in Experts on Call is Michele Novotni, Ph.D., CEO of ADDA, author of What Does Everybody Else Know That I Don’t and co-author of Adult AD/HD. “Last year, I was surprised and thrilled with the number of calls that flooded the phones. The lines were so busy that they brought us food so we could stay connected throughout the day. Even then, we still were not able to answer all the calls.”
Ty Pennington says, “I know what’s it’s like to grow up with AD/HD and how important it is for parents, caregivers and patients, to have access to accurate information. I’m thrilled to be a part of ADHD Experts on Call. I hope that by working with all of these great people and sharing my and my family’s experience, I’ll
help other kids and families understand that there are people out there ready to help them and that it’s
possible to live a full, productive life with AD/HD.”
While the exact number of adults with AD/HD is unknown, it is estimated that four percent of the U.S. adult population is affected by AD/HD. A recent national survey, “Capturing America’s Attention,” found that the
repercussions of AD/HD may have limited adults with the condition from reaching their full academic and
occupational potential, and limit their satisfaction with themselves and their relationships. According to the
survey:
- Adults with AD/HD are three times more likely to suffer from stress, depression or other problems with emotion;
- Adults with AD/HD are more likely to engage in harmful or antisocial behaviors, like smoking and drug
use;
- Adults with AD/HD have less stable relationships than those adults without AD/HD, as reflected in higher
rates of divorce and/or separation (twice the likelihood); and
- Adults with AD/HD tend to report lower educational achievement and are less likely to be high school or
college graduates.
As the start of the school year approaches, ADHD Experts on Call provides a valuable resource to parents and teachers who may not be familiar with AD/HD, but suspect that their child or a child in their care is showing symptoms of the disorder. In addition, many adults still deal with the symptoms and long-term effects of AD/HD, and may want to call and learn about ways to manage their symptoms of AD/HD. While the experts participating in ADHD Experts on Call will not provide specific medical advice for patients or parents or recommend a particular course of action, they can provide helpful information on topics such as:
- Proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment of AD/HD in children and adults; and
- How to manage AD/HD as an all-day disorder: before, during, and after school;
- Common myths and misconceptions about AD/HD.
- How teachers may approach parents if they suspect a student has AD/HD;
- How parents can approach teachers about their child's AD/HD-related needs;
“While this program doesn’t replace a physician visit, parents and adult patients can learn valuable
information about AD/HD symptoms, diagnosis, support groups and treatment options that can help them
better understand the disorder,” said Dr. George Bright, Medical Director, Adolescent Health Center in Midlothian, Va., and first-time ADHD Experts on Call participant. “Despite the widespread prevalence of
AD/HD, many parents, patients and caregivers are confused by conflicting information about the disorder
and don't know where to turn for help.”
Although there is no “cure” for AD/HD, physicians, parents, teachers, and other professionals are finding
ways to help people with the condition adapt to their academic, social, and work environments. Callers also
may request a free booklet about AD/HD with information on symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment options. For those who would prefer to use the Internet, a confidential, one-on-one, on-line forum also will be available at www.ADHDExpertsOnCall.com throughout the day.