Advice About Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (NAPSA)—Back-to-sehool time is just around the corner—and that means classroom assignments, homework, and afterschool activities. But for many children, it means difficulties staying focused, sitting still, or controlling their behavior. With 3 percent to 7 percent of school-age children suffering from attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the beginning of the school year is the perfect time to be aware of its symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment options. Yet despite the widespread prevalence of ADHD, manyparents and teachers are confused about the disorder and don’t know where to turn for help. To answer the questions and address the confusion, Shire US, makers of the once-daily ADHD treatment Adderall XR (mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product), is sponsoring for the fifth consecutive year ADHD Experts on Call, a national tollfree telephone hotline (1-888ASK-ADHD). An online forum is also available at www.ADHD ExpertsOnCall.com. Callers can speak one-on-one with leading English- and Spanish-speaking ADHDexperts, including doctors, school nurses, teachers, and advocates. Callers also may request a free booklet about ADHD with information on symptoms, diagnosis, and available treatment options. “As an educator and parent of seven children with ADHD, I’ve experienced firsthand the importance of finding accurate, credible information about the disorder,” said Sandy Jones, Ph.D., a special needs educator who will be answering questions about ADHD for the fourth year in a row. “As part of ADHD Experts on Call, I’ve answered thousands of phone calls from people with questions about symptoms, support groups, treatment options, and how to talk to their child’s teacher.” While the hotline is available to anyone with questions about ADHD, it may be especially helpful for parents who see symptoms of the disorder in their children at the beginning of the school year, a time when referrals for ADHDdiagnoses often are made. Symptoms include inattention, FREE ADHD HOTLINE 1-888-ASK-ADHD TUESDAY, AUGUST 26 8AM TO MIDNIGHT EDT Speak directly with Englishand Spanish-speaking ADHD experts @ impulsivity, and hyperactivity and may be serious enough to interfere with the child’s ability to function normally in academic or social settings. The experts participating in ADHD Experts on Call will not provide specific medical advice for patients or parents or recommend a particular course of action but will serve as resources on topics such as: * How teachers should approach parents if they suspect a student has ADHD * How parents can approach teachers about their child’s ADHD-related needs * How to manage ADHDas an all-day disorder: before, during, and beyond the classroom * The proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment of ADHD * Common myths and misconceptions about ADHD Children with ADHD usually respond well to a combination of treatments, including educational approaches, psychological and behavioral therapies, and medications. Although there is no cure for ADHD, physicians, parents, teachers, and nurses are finding ways to help children with the condition adapt to their academic, social, and work environments. The most common side effects of Adderall XR are decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep, stomachache, and emotional lability. Amphetamines have a high potential for abuse. For expert advice about ADHD, call 1-888-ASK-ADHDorlog on to www.ADHDExpertsOnCall.com to participate in a live online forum with the experts on Tuesday, August 26, from 8 a.m. to Midnight EDT. For more information about Adderall XR, visit www.adderal
