Menstuff® has compiled the following information on Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Three Different Types of ADHD
10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Feeling Overwhelmed By Your Child's ADHD
Behavior Today?
Newsbytes
The information provided below is one tool that healthcare professionals use as a reference to diagnose adults and children for ADHD, but is not meant to be used for self-evaluation or as a substitute for full medical evaluation. ADHD is a complex disorder and an accurate diagnosis can only be made through a personal evaluation with your doctor. You can use the information below to increase your understanding of this condition and as an aid to evaluating the effectiveness of ADHD treatment. DSM-IV-TR1 Subtypes of ADHD ADHD Subtype Definition: Patient has experienced and been impaired for 6 months or greater
DSM-IV-TR1 Core Symptoms of ADHD in Children Inattention Hyperactivity-Impulsivity
Hyperactivity
Impulsivity
Some hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7.
Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (school {or work} and at home)
Clear evidence of significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning
Symptoms are not accounted for by another disorder and do not occur exclusively during another disorder.
Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. American Psychiatric
Association.
10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
1Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, D.C., American Psychiatric Association.
Source: content.health.msn.com/content/article/57/65974?z=4200_00101_2208_in_13
1.. What is Strattera?
Strattera is a norepinephine reuptake inhibitor, a new class of treatment for ADHD that works differently from the other ADHD medications available.
2. How does Strattera work?
Strattera works by selectively blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine, a chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter, by certain nerve cells in the brain. This action increases the availability of norepinephrine, which is thought to be essential in regulating impulse control, organization and attention. The precise mechanism by which Strattera works on ADHD is not known.
3. How do I take Strattera?
Take Strattera exactly as directed by your doctor. Strattera offers flexible dosing, once or twice daily. Discuss a convenient schedule for taking Strattera with your doctor.
Strattera may be taken with or without food.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but do not take more than your total daily dose in any 24-hour period.
If possible, take Strattera at the same time every day to keep on schedule.
Strattera capsules should never be broken and sprinkled on food. They must be taken whole.
4. How effective is Strattera in controlling ADHD symptoms?
In each of six clinical trials, Strattera was statistically superior to placebo in reducing the symptoms of ADHD in children, adolescents and adults. The positive effects of Strattera were seen for overall ADHD symptoms including hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and inattentive symptoms.
5. What data are being used to support the approval of Strattera?
In six placebo-controlled studies, two in children, two in children and adolescents, and two in adults, Strattera significantly reduced core symptoms of ADHD, and was well tolerated. In all studies, participants met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 4th Edition (DSM-IV), criteria for ADHD.
Eli Lilly and Company is continuing to study Strattera in short-term and long-term trials. As of October 2002, more than 4,000 child and adolescents have taken Strattera in clinical trials for ADHD.
6. Does Eli Lilly and Company have any data on switching from stimulants such as Ritalin® to Strattera?
In clinical trials, some patients discontinued their stimulant medications before beginning Strattera after a 1-2 day washout period. Talk with your doctor to find out if Strattera is right for you or your child.
7. What are the differences between Strattera and other FDA-approved treatments for ADHD?
Both Strattera and older treatments, like methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Ritalin® and Concerta®), are effective in treating ADHD. However, Strattera is the first FDA-approved treatment for ADHD that is not a stimulant and is not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Act. As a non-controlled substance, Strattera should provide the convenience of physician samples and phone-in refills.
8.What are the most common side effects associated with Strattera?
In children: Most children in clinical studies who experienced side effects were not bothered enough to stop using Strattera. The most common side effects were decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, and upset stomach.
In adults: Most adults in clinical studies who experienced side effects were not bothered enough to stop using Strattera. The most common side effects were problems sleeping, dry mouth, decreased appetite, upset stomach, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, problems urinating, and sexual side effects.
9. When will Strattera be available in pharmacies?
Strattera should be available nationally in January 2003. To check on availability contact your local pharmacy or call 1-800-LILLY-RX (1-800-545-5979).
Note to Physician: Please visit the Center for ADHD Solutions on
WebMD located at: adhdawareness.webmd.com and there is also more
information available on Medscape at:
http://www.medscape.com/resource/childadhd.
Source: content.health.msn.com/content/article/57/65969?printing=true
Feeling Overwhelmed By Your Child's
ADHD Behavior Today?
The Challenge: There are many moments in the day when you may feel yourself becoming overwhelmed. What can you do when this happens?
Reasons Why: When you're feeling upset with your child's inability to respond to your instructions or follow household rules, try to remember that:
Your child's ADHD-related behavior is different than if ADHD were not present.
The cause or causes of ADHD are not completely understood. The good news is that in most cases ADHD is a challenge that can be managed effectively. Children with ADHD can and do succeed, but it takes a lot of work from both parents and children.
Obstacles: Children with ADHD may have difficulty in many areas of life. They're often inattentive, so they can't concentrate on one thing for very long -- including the chores you give them to do around the house. They also may have trouble sitting still or being quiet, so they may annoy or disturb others. They may be impulsive, often blurting out inappropriate comments or behaving inappropriately -- this may frazzle your nerves on extremely hectic days.
Remember, it's not that your child isn't paying attention -- he or she can't pay attention to the degree you would like. But with a bit of structure and pre-planning, you can help your child organize daily activities and get through them more smoothly. That should make things run better for both of you.
Tips for Balancing Life at Home:
Think about the things that are most difficult for your child to manage: for example, problems finishing homework, losing track of time while playing outside, and/or spending too much time on the computer. What boundaries or structure can you set up for his or her behavior? What tools can you provide to help your child with time management? A kitchen timer can be a tremendous help. Discuss these situations with your child. Make a list of them together, and work out solutions together.
In addition making a list of rules may be helpful. If you need a list of rules, post the list where your child can read it easily. Having the rules in writing will make it easier for your child to check them and behave accordingly. It also makes it easier for you to deliver a gentle reminder: "What should you be doing now? Let's look at our rules."
Consider setting up a "rewards program" to celebrate the times when your child behaves appropriately. Consistent rewards for managing his or her behavior well are more likely to achieve positive results than more negative programs, such as a "Time Out" place where the child is sent as punishment for when ADHD behavior gets out of control.
Getting dressed can be a frustrating chore for children with ADHD -- too many decisions to make in a small amount of time. You can help your child sort out clothing choices by "programming" his or her dresser to provide matching pieces of clothing "automatically." There are several simple steps to make getting dressed "no big deal":
Think of the order in which your child dresses (for example, under garments to outer garments to socks); then paste a picture of each item on the drawer where it will be kept.
Sort complete outfits together (pants or skirts, tops, socks, etc.), and let your child select an outfit each morning.
To minimize homework challenges, consider creating a special 'homework place" in your house that you and your child choose together.
Select a quiet room (the family room often works well), preferably with a desk only your child uses.
Supply the desk with all of the items the child will need to do homework without getting up repeatedly to find a pencil, paper, tape, and so on.
Be sure to limit distractions -- no TV, no computer, no uncurtained windows to divert your child's attention.
Whenever possible, your child should do homework in the same place and at the same time every day.
If getting your child to go to bed at the proper time -- and stay there -- is a recurring event, try scheduling your child's bath for an hour and half or so before bedtime. Then provide a snack and a low-key activity such as a bedtime story before it's time to say, "Good night!"
ADHDparent.com.
Free Tips for the Parents. Available at: adhdparent.com/tipsparent.htm
National Institute of Mental Health. Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Questions and Answers. Available at:
www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhdqa.cfm
Children and Adults With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(CHADD). About AD/HD. Available at: www.chadd.org/webpage.cfm?cat_id=7&subcat_id=35
Children and Adults With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(CHADD). Parenting a Child With AD/HD - CHADD - Fact Sheet #2.
Available at: www.chadd.org/webpage.cfm?cat_id=24
Source: content.health.msn.com/content/article/57/65972?printing=true
Newsbytes
Reducing the Side Effects of ADHD
Medications
ADHD Affects 4.4 Million Kids
Nationwide
Source: my.webmd.com/content/article/111/109881.htm
Consumer
Group Decries ADHD Drugs
ADHD Drug to Get
Warning Label
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