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September 14, 2005 is National ADHD Awareness Day.
On September 14th millions of Americans will be celebrating National ADHD Awareness Day as a result of a resolution passed by the United States Senate (see resolution). This is a widely publicized event that will bring greater awareness of ADHD to the public. Visit the National Attention Deficit Disorder Association to get an ADHD Awareness Day Kit and learn about many of the activities planned for September 14th.
Here are some ideas to get the word out about ADHD and celebrate National ADHD Awareness Day.
- Speak at a PTA meeting or a community group meeting about ADHD and your experience.
- Ask your local library to display books and information about ADHD.
- Ask your local newspaper to include a piece about this awareness day and ADHD awareness day events in your community.
- Send an email announcement with information about ADHD.
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Health Canada Adopts Recommendation of Expert Panel and Reinstates ADDERALL XR® (CII) in Canada
On August 29th Shire Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that Health Canada, the Canadian drug regulatory agency, reinstated marketing authorization of ADDERALL XR® (mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product) in Canada for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), effective Friday, August 26, 2005. The reinstatement follows the recommendation from the New Drug Committee (NDC), which Health Canada appointed at Shire's request to review the drug's safety.
Meds or No Meds?
By Ned Hallowell, M.D. |
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.After a child is diagnosed with AD/HD, one of the most difficult decisions for a parent to make is whether to start him or her on medication. I've been there myself. Two of my three children have AD/HD, and, although my wife and I eventually decided to try medication--which, by the way, has helped both of them immensely without any side effects--arriving at that decision took careful reflection.
When it was suggested that my kids try medication, I had my concerns. I know that AD/HD drugs are safe and effective, but I worried that perhaps, for some unknown reason, they might harm my children's health. Although stimulant medications have been with us for more than 60 years, I wondered if some new side effect might emerge.
I countered those concerns by worrying about the potential "side effects" of not taking the medication: namely, my children struggling to stay focused and getting frustrated when they couldn't. After envisioning that scenario, the decision became far less difficult.
Take your time
Each parent--and child--comes to the question of medication with different assumptions. My strong advice is to take your time, honor your feelings, and find a doctor who will remain patient, a professional who will provide information--not hurried commands--as you wrestle with your decision.
Never start your child on medication unless you're comfortable doing so. |
From a medical standpoint, the decision is obvious. Medication is by far the most proven, safe, and effective treatment for AD/HD. Careful, controlled studies have established that a trial of medication makes sense once the diagnosis is made. Remember that a trial of medication is just that--a trial. Unlike surgery, it can be undone. If the medication doesn't work or if it produces side effects, the physician can reduce the dosage or discontinue it. No harm done. But unless your child tries the medication, you will never know if it can benefit him or her as it has other children and adults.
Do some fact-finding
From a personal, parental standpoint, though, the decision is anything but easy. It takes time and requires talking with your doctor and other experts. You might want to research the medication online and find out what the latest studies conclude about it. Get all the facts, and make a scientific, rather than a superstitious, decision. But I urge you never to start your child on medication until you're comfortable doing so. Don't feel that you're trying your doctor's patience or that your questions are foolish. Nothing done out of love for your child is foolish.
However, I also urge you not to reject medication out of hand. Many parents have heard so many bad things about AD/HD drugs that they're willing to travel to Tibet to find an alternative treatment before giving medication a try. It's very important to do your homework and separate the facts from the myths before dismissing the treatment.
Honor your feelings
When I give lectures, people often ask me if I "believe in" medication for children and adults with AD/HD. My reply is that medication isn't a religious principle; it's a medical treatment. My feelings about AD/HD medications are similar to those about medications in general: They're great when they're used properly, and they're dangerous when they're not.
Sometimes it takes months or even years before parents decide to put their child on medication. Every parent has his or her own timetable. Stick with yours.
This article was reprinted with permission of ADDitude Magazine.
September's Featured myADHD.com's Tools
Parents of children and adolescents with ADHD can benefit from using this month's treatment tools. These tools focus on getting families ready for the new school year. As we all know, the transition from summertime to schooltime can be challenging. This month's treatment tools can help families get organized for the school year.
· Organizing School Supplies
· Homework Pass
· Home Token Economy Program
· Bedtime Jobs List
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CHADD Annual Conference
See information about the CHADD Annual Conference in Dallas (October 2005). Visit www.chadd.org.
Need to fulfill your continuing education requirements?
See the National Association for Continuing Education for home study programs and live conferences. Over 80 home study courses for psychologists, social workers, marriage and family counselors, and mental health counselors.
For additional articles and resources on ADHD visit these sites:
myADHD.com online library:
www.myadhd.com/librarytools.html
A.D.D. WareHouse--
See our special sales for September 2005
www.addwarehouse.com
To sign up for a live conference on ADHD visit www.addconsults.com
Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
www.add.org
Subscribe to Attention Research Updates for a free newsletter.
myADHD.com news is an e-publication of Health Link Systems, Inc. This publication is sponsored by myADHD.com, A.D.D. WareHouse, and the National Association for Continuing Education. Information presented here is not intended to replace the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Placement of an advertisement in this e-newsletter does not represent an endorsement of any advertised products or services or the validity of any claims advertised. Copyright 2005 by Health Link Systems, Inc. For comments or information, please send an email to: info@myadhd.com, subject line: myADHD.com News.
