Frequently asked questions(FAQ)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 11 percent of school-age children. Symptoms continue into adulthood in more than three-quarters of cases. ADHD is characterized by developmentally inappropriate levels of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
In 1994, the name of the disorder was changed in a way that is confusing for many people. Since that time all forms of attention deficit disorder are officially called “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder,” regardless of whether the individual has symptoms of hyperactivity or not. Even though these are the official labels, a lot of professionals and lay people still use both terms: ADD and ADHD. Some use those terms to designate the old subtypes; others use ADD just as a shorter way to refer to any presentation.
Executive Function (EF) refers to brain functions that activate, organize, integrate and manage other functions. It enables individuals to account for short and long term consequences of their actions and to plan for those results. It also allows individuals to make real time evaluations of their actions and make necessary adjustments if those actions are not achieving the desired result.
There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to establish a diagnosis, rule out other causes, and determine the presence or absence of co-existing conditions. Such an evaluation requires time and effort and should include a careful history and a clinical assessment of the individual’s academic, social, and emotional functioning and developmental level.
When seeking an evaluation or treatment for ADHD, it is important to see a qualified, licensed healthcare professional. In addition to ensuring that a particular professional has the required training, it is also important to work with a professional who has experience in dealing with this disorder.
There are several types of professionals who typically diagnose ADHD. These include: physicians (especially psychiatrists, pediatricians, neurologists), psychologists, social workers, nurse practitioners, and other licensed counselors or therapists (e.g. professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, etc.).
For adults with ADHD, the challenges of healthy weight management appear to be greater than for those without ADHD. For example, one study sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health found that adults with ADHD are 1.58 times more likely to be overweight and 1.81 times more likely to be obese than adults who do not have ADHD.
Children with ADHD also appear to have higher rates of overweight and obesity than their peers without the disorder. However, whether or not a child’s ADHD is being treated is also an important factor. Data from the 2003–2004 National Survey of Children’s Health found that children whose ADHD treatment plan did not include medication were approximately one and a half times more likely to be overweight than children who received medication as part of their ADHD treatment.
More than two-thirds of individuals with ADHD have at least one other coexisting condition. The symptoms of ADHD—constant motion and fidgetiness, interrupting and blurting out, difficulty sitting still and need for constant reminders, etc.—may overshadow these other disorders. But just as untreated ADHD can present challenges in everyday life, other disorders can also cause unnecessary suffering in individuals with ADHD and their families if left untreated. Any disorder can coexist with ADHD, but certain disorders tend to occur more commonly with ADHD. The most common conditions found in individuals with ADHD are disruptive behavior disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, tics or Tourette Syndrome, learning disorders, sleep disorders and substance abuse.
Treating ADHD often requires medical, educational, behavioral and psychological intervention. This comprehensive approach to treatment is sometimes called “multimodal” and, depending on the age of the individual with ADHD, may include the following:
- parent training
- medication
- skills training
- counseling
- behavioral therapy
- educational supports
- education regarding ADHD
Law enforcement officers pay attention to possible drug abuse, especially among teenagers and young adults. If the police stop you for something such as a traffic violation or disorderly conduct and you are carrying ADHD medication in an unmarked container, you may be at greater risk of being suspected of illegal drug use.
The DEA has allowed eprescribing for stimulant medications since 2010. Prior to 2010, nonstimulant medications and medications for other conditions could be eprescribed, but stimulants still required a paper prescription.
Just because the DEA now allows eprescribing it does not mean all states have made it easy, though they all do currently allow Schedule II medications to be eprescribed. Medical offices and healthcare companies can also have individual practices regarding medications. Not all medical offices are equipped with the needed software to send eprescriptions to pharmacies, either due to costs or practitioner preferences. Even when a medical office is prepared to send eprescriptions, state law may require the doctor to meet with the ADHD patient every 30 or 90 days before renewing a prescription.
If your prescriber’s office is capable of eprescribing, it could mean reducing your office visits to the minimum required by law or by your insurer. It could also mean that even if you meet with your prescriber, you don’t have to receive a paper prescription that needs to be hand carried to the pharmacy. You wouldn’t have to worry about misplacing your script or having it stolen. It could also reduce your wait time in the pharmacy—your prescription could be ready when you arrive.
No. Approximately 10 million adults have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). About one-third of children with ADHD continue to meet the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis as adults. In early adulthood, ADHD may be associated with depression, mood or conduct disorders and substance abuse. Adults with ADHD often cope with difficulties at work and in their personal and family lives related to ADHD symptoms. Many have inconsistent performance at work or in their careers; have difficulties with day-to-day responsibilities; experience relationship problems; and may have chronic feelings of frustration, guilt or blame.
Research suggests that youth with ADHD are at increased risk for very early cigarette use. Cigarette smoking is more common in adolescents with ADHD, and adults with ADHD have elevated rates of smoking and report particular difficulty in quitting. Youth with ADHD are twice as likely to become addicted to nicotine as individuals without ADHD.