CHADD Applauds International Consensus Statement On AD/HD Issued By Nation's Leading Clinicians

3/14/2002

From: Peg Nichols of CHADD, 301-306-7070, ext. 102

LANDOVER, Md., March 14 -- CHADD, the nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, applauds the recently released International Consensus Statement reiterating the absolute existence of AD/HD and the damage incurred when media reports suggest otherwise. The International Consensus Statement, authored by Dr. Russell Barkley, University of Massachusetts Medical School, includes the endorsement of more than 90 the world's leading scientists, researchers and clinicians treating AD/HD and other mental disorders.

For the full statement text, visit the CHADD Web site at http://www.chadd.org/.

"The media have a responsibility to accurately report on AD/HD -- not treat it as if it were some kind of entertaining sporting event -- pitting one side against the other," said Barkley. "AD/HD should be depicted by the media and in news reports as realistically and accurately as it is depicted in science: as a valid disorder having varied and substantial adverse impact on those who may suffer from it through no fault of their own or their parents and teachers."

The U.S. Surgeon General, the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), among others, all recognize AD/HD as a valid disorder. Many of these organizations have issued guidelines for evaluation and management of the disorder for their membership. The International Consensus Statement, however, is the first document issued by an independent consortium of leading scientists concerning the status of the disorder. Among scientists who have devoted years, if not entire careers to the study of this disorder, there is no controversy regarding its existence.

"This is a timely and important document given the challenges that those with AD/HD currently face," said Evelyn Green, CHADD national board president. "Misinformed legislators are trying to legislate and regulate AD/HD treatment without understanding the science of the disorder, nor its impact on our families, schools and communities. Well-financed 'special interest' groups are organizing campaigns against psychiatry, psychology and mental health in general. And professionals with questionable ethics are encouraging families struggling with the realities of AD/HD to file lawsuits, discontinue treatments and ignore symptoms. These efforts do nothing but adversely affect those afflicted with the disorder as well as those who are dedicated to treating it."

Other facts cited in the Consensus Statement: -- AD/HD is not a benign disorder. For those it afflicts, AD/HD can cause devastating problems. -- Follow-up studies of clinical samples suggest that sufferers are far more likely than those without the disorder to drop out of school (32-40 percent); to rarely complete college (5-10 percent); to have few or no friends (50-70 percent); to under perform at work (70-80 percent); to engage in antisocial activities (40-50 percent); and to use tobacco or illicit drugs more than normal. -- Moreover, children growing up with AD/HD are more likely to experience teen pregnancy (40 percent) and sexually transmitted diseases (16 percent); to speed excessively and have multiple car accidents; to experience depression (20-30 percent) and personality disorders (18-25 percent) as adults; and in hundreds of other ways mismanage and endanger their lives. -- Despite these serious consequences, studies indicate that less than half of those with the disorder are receiving treatment.

"Early identification of the disorder is essential -- critical to the appropriate treatment of AD/HD," continued Green. "Although there is no cure for AD/HD, there are three highly effective forms of treatment -- behavior management, educational interventions, and medication. And although treatment with stimulant medication is the most controversial approach, research demonstrates that it is also the single most effective treatment available. Without treatment, too many people continue slipping through the cracks. And that is yet another reason why we need the media's support and objectivity in dispelling the myths and setting the record straight on AD/HD."

CHADD advocates a Multi-modal approach to the treatment of AD/HD including parent training in diagnosis, treatment and specific behavior management techniques, an appropriate educational program, individual and family counseling when needed, and medication when required.

------ With over 20,000 members and 200 affiliates nationwide, CHADD works to improve the lives of people affected by AD/HD through collaborative leadership, advocacy, research, education and support: CHADD CARES. For additional information about AD/HD or CHADD, contact CHADD National Call Center at 800-233-4050, or visit http://www.chadd.org/.