Tara
04-26-06, 05:33 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATIONAL ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER ASSOCIATION RELEASES
NEW PRINCIPLES FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ADHD
Updated ADHD standards written entirely by ADHD experts for the public
ORLANDO, FLA (April 24, 2006) - The Attention Deficit Disorder Association
(ADDA) is releasing an updated set of principles for the diagnosis and
treatment of ADHD established by leading ADHD experts specifically for the
general public. The authors describe the new protocols as a significant
revision from the previous version written last decade, offering the public
a much sharper and current assessment of ADHD and treatment options in order to improve the lives of persons with the condition, ADDA announced today.
The Guiding Principles for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit
/ Hyperactivity Disorder, to be released at ADDA's annual conference here
beginning May 4, is the creation of four members of ADDA's Professional
Advisory Board from around the US who specialize as ADHD clinicians. They
conducted thousands of interviews involving health care providers, patients
and families to help identify the most effective means of assessment and
treatment of ADHD.
"ADHD is chronically misdiagnosed and under-diagnosed," says Linda Anderson,
president-elect of ADDA. "It is ADDA's goal to provide these new guidelines
to both health care providers and the general public to fill a void of
available information and support that leaves many ADHD adults feeling
confused, unable to cope, and isolated."
Dr. Terry Dickson, an ADDA board member who co-wrote the new guidelines and also runs an ADHD clinic in Traverse City, MI, says the new principles
reflect the most current knowledge of the condition. "We present an overview
of the most accepted and effective overall treatment regimen along with
newer concepts, such as how ADHD effects executive functioning in the
brain," Dickson says.
ADHD is a disorder that can lead to significant educational, occupational
and social difficulties, estimated to affect 3-6% of the adult population.
The ADDA guidelines, which promote a more balanced approach to treatment of ADHD emphasizing education, medication, lifestyle changes and the
consultation of recent and pertinent ADHD literature include:
* Using a qualified professional with the proper licensing and
experience to conduct the evaluation and treatment of ADHD.
* Tailoring treatment to meet the individual clinical needs of each
person.
* Basing the diagnosis of ADHD on many factors, not merely a
positive response to ADHD medication.
* Involving parents, spouses, teachers, and family members in the
diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
Using the guidelines as part of a treatment plan, Dr. Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D,
a clinical psychologist at Yale University School of Medicine who
specializes in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, says individuals
affected by the condition can help them to lead happier and more productive
lives. "ADDA's Guiding Principles provide clear and practical information
about what is and is not needed for the adequate assessment of ADHD," Brown says. "These guidelines will be a very helpful resource for clinicians and
patients."
The Guiding Principles will become available to the public at ADDA's 12th
Annual Adult ADHD Conference in Orlando, FL, May 4-7, 2006.
ADDA is the world's leading non-profit organization serving adults with
ADHD. Established in 1989, ADDA's mission is to provide information,
resources and networking opportunities to help the individuals and families
affected by ADHD. By bringing together scientific perspectives and the
human experience, ADDA provides hope, empowerment and connections worldwide for both those who have ADHD and professionals who serve them. For more information, visit www.add.org (http://www.add.org/) .
# # #
NATIONAL ATTENTION DEFICIT DISORDER ASSOCIATION RELEASES
NEW PRINCIPLES FOR DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ADHD
Updated ADHD standards written entirely by ADHD experts for the public
ORLANDO, FLA (April 24, 2006) - The Attention Deficit Disorder Association
(ADDA) is releasing an updated set of principles for the diagnosis and
treatment of ADHD established by leading ADHD experts specifically for the
general public. The authors describe the new protocols as a significant
revision from the previous version written last decade, offering the public
a much sharper and current assessment of ADHD and treatment options in order to improve the lives of persons with the condition, ADDA announced today.
The Guiding Principles for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention Deficit
/ Hyperactivity Disorder, to be released at ADDA's annual conference here
beginning May 4, is the creation of four members of ADDA's Professional
Advisory Board from around the US who specialize as ADHD clinicians. They
conducted thousands of interviews involving health care providers, patients
and families to help identify the most effective means of assessment and
treatment of ADHD.
"ADHD is chronically misdiagnosed and under-diagnosed," says Linda Anderson,
president-elect of ADDA. "It is ADDA's goal to provide these new guidelines
to both health care providers and the general public to fill a void of
available information and support that leaves many ADHD adults feeling
confused, unable to cope, and isolated."
Dr. Terry Dickson, an ADDA board member who co-wrote the new guidelines and also runs an ADHD clinic in Traverse City, MI, says the new principles
reflect the most current knowledge of the condition. "We present an overview
of the most accepted and effective overall treatment regimen along with
newer concepts, such as how ADHD effects executive functioning in the
brain," Dickson says.
ADHD is a disorder that can lead to significant educational, occupational
and social difficulties, estimated to affect 3-6% of the adult population.
The ADDA guidelines, which promote a more balanced approach to treatment of ADHD emphasizing education, medication, lifestyle changes and the
consultation of recent and pertinent ADHD literature include:
* Using a qualified professional with the proper licensing and
experience to conduct the evaluation and treatment of ADHD.
* Tailoring treatment to meet the individual clinical needs of each
person.
* Basing the diagnosis of ADHD on many factors, not merely a
positive response to ADHD medication.
* Involving parents, spouses, teachers, and family members in the
diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.
Using the guidelines as part of a treatment plan, Dr. Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D,
a clinical psychologist at Yale University School of Medicine who
specializes in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, says individuals
affected by the condition can help them to lead happier and more productive
lives. "ADDA's Guiding Principles provide clear and practical information
about what is and is not needed for the adequate assessment of ADHD," Brown says. "These guidelines will be a very helpful resource for clinicians and
patients."
The Guiding Principles will become available to the public at ADDA's 12th
Annual Adult ADHD Conference in Orlando, FL, May 4-7, 2006.
ADDA is the world's leading non-profit organization serving adults with
ADHD. Established in 1989, ADDA's mission is to provide information,
resources and networking opportunities to help the individuals and families
affected by ADHD. By bringing together scientific perspectives and the
human experience, ADDA provides hope, empowerment and connections worldwide for both those who have ADHD and professionals who serve them. For more information, visit www.add.org (http://www.add.org/) .
# # #