CHADD ADHD

An estimated 15 million individuals in America have ADHD. Without identification and proper treatment, ADHD may have serious consequences, including school failure, family stress and disruption, depression, problems with relationships, ...

An estimated 15 million individuals in America have ADHD. Without identification and proper treatment, ADHD may have serious consequences, including school failure, family stress and disruption, depression, problems with relationships, substance abuse, delinquency, accidental injuries, and job failure. Early identification and treatment are extremely important.

With identification, proper treatment, and management, individuals with ADHD can lead successful lives and even thrive. One of the key components to thriving is the help of a team of professionals such as you in their corner.

Professionals who work with people affected by ADHD include physicians (especially psychiatrists, pediatricians, neurologists); psychologists; social workers; nurse practitioners; therapists; teachers; coaches; and other individuals with specialized training to help individuals with ADHD. Each can play a vital role in the comprehensive assessment; treatment and management of ADHD.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting both children and adults. It is described as a persistent or ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that gets in the way of daily life or typical development. Individuals with ADHD may also have difficulties with maintaining attention, executive function (or the brain’s ability to begin an activity, organize itself, and manage tasks), and working memory.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), is the guide that lays out the criteria to be used by doctors, mental health professionals, and other qualified clinicians when making a diagnosis of ADHD. The most recent edition of the manual, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), was released in 2013 and included changes to the definition of ADHD that affect how the disorder is diagnosed in children and in adults.

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