How much do you know about ADHD?  Odds are that unless you or one of your family members are one of the 13 million Americans living with the condition, you probably know less than you think and much of what you know may be incorrect.  The organizations behind the ADHD Awareness Coalition are working to change that with this year’s ADHD Awareness Week theme.  The focus of this year’s campaign is education and information.  People across the country will be urged to “Get the Facts about ADHD”.

For those with ADHD, the stigma attached to the diagnosis remains a real problem.  Decades of scientific research and the acceptance of ADHD as a legitimate diagnosable condition by the medical and mental health communities have not changed the fact that many people continue to question whether or not ADHD is real.  You would not tell a diabetic that they should be able to control their blood sugar themselves and if they can’t it is because they aren’t trying hard enough.  And yet, for many with ADHD, this is the message they are consistently given about their condition.  Changing how people view ADHD can change the lives of those who live with it and open up opportunities for them to thrive and contribute in new and different ways.

In recognition of ADHD Awareness Week, here are the seven facts you need to know about ADHD as outlined by the ADHD Awareness Coalition.  For more information about the coalition or ADHD Awareness Week, visit http://www.adhdawarenessweek.org/.

1.       ADHD is Real

ADHD is a brain-based disorder caused by a neurotransmitter imbalance.  Although ADHD symptoms can be varied in different individuals, it is a diagnosable condition that is listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).  It is recognized by every major medical, psychological, and educational group in the U.S including the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Institute of Mental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and the U.S. Department of Education.

2.       ADHD is a Common, Non-Discriminatory Disorder

An estimated 13 million children and adults in the U.S have ADHD.  These people span every race, age, gender, religion, and socio-economic group.  According to the CDC, 9.5% of children in America have been diagnosed with ADHD which means almost 1 in every 10 children is living with the condition.  Although it was initially thought to be a childhood condition that resolved after adolescence, new research has shown that many adults continue to be impacted through their lifetime.

3.       Diagnosing ADHD is a Complex Process

There is a specific diagnostic criterion for ADHD that doctors and mental health professionals use to determine whether or not an individual has ADHD.  However, the incidence of co-existing conditions whose symptoms can mirror or mask ADHD symptoms make this process difficult.  While there is not an ADHD blood test that will definitively determine whether or not someone has ADHD, there are tools and testing available to diagnosticians that enable diagnosis.

4.       Other Mental Health Conditions Often Occur Along with ADHD

It is very common for someone with ADHD to also have some other mental health disorder.   One of the most prevalent co-existing conditions is anxiety disorders which impact 30% of children and 25-40% of adults with ADHD.  Depression is also common amongst those with ADHD and will affect almost 70% at some point in their lifetime.  Those with ADHD are also more likely than those without ADHD to have a sleep and substance abuse disorders.

5.       ADHD is Not Benign

ADHD can impact almost every area of a person’s life.  For children, it can cause issues in school, with learning, in social development, and in building and sustaining relationships.  For adults, it can affect employment, relationships, financial management, and health management.  People with ADHD are more likely to get traffic tickets, be in traffic accidents, get divorced, and develop substance abuse problems.

6.       ADHD is Nobody’s Fault

ADHD is a highly genetic neurological disorder.  Things like family history, gender and environmental toxins may be factors that increase the likelihood of someone developing the condition.  It is not caused by sugar, television, bad parents, bad teachers, lack of morals, food allergies, or laziness.

7.       ADHD Treatment is Multi-Faceted

Most people with ADHD use a combined approach to treatment which may include psychotherapy, medication, coaching, behavior modification, and education.

Doorways specializes in the treatment of ADHD for teens, tweens and young adults.  If you suspect your child has ADHD, please contact your family medical practitioner.