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September 14, 2005 is National ADHD Awareness Day.
On September 14th millions of Americans will be celebrating National ADHD Awareness Day as a result of a resolution passed by the United States Senate (see resolution). This is a widely publicized event that will bring greater awareness of ADHD to the public. Visit the National Attention Deficit Disorder Association and CHADD and learn about many of the activities planned for September 14th.

Free Teleconference September 14, 2005, 8:30-9:30 PM Starting the School Year Off Right Chris A. Zeigler Dendy, M.S. Wednesday, September 14, 2005 8:30PM – 9:30PM Eastern Click Here to Sign Up

Health Canada Adopts Recommendation of Expert Panel and Reinstates ADDERALL XR® (CII) in Canada
On August 29th Shire Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that Health Canada, the Canadian drug regulatory agency, reinstated marketing authorization of ADDERALL XR® (mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product) in Canada for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), effective Friday, August 26, 2005.  The reinstatement follows the recommendation from the New Drug Committee (NDC), which Health Canada appointed at Shire's request to review the drug's safety.    

Meds or No Meds? By Ned Hallowell, M.D.

After a child is diagnosed with AD/HD, one of the most difficult decisions for a parent to make is whether to start him or her on medication. I've been there myself. Two of my three children have AD/HD, and, although my wife and I eventually decided to try medication--which, by the way, has helped both of them immensely without any side effects--arriving at that decision took careful reflection.

When it was suggested that my kids try medication, I had my concerns. I know that AD/HD drugs are safe and effective, but I worried that perhaps, for some unknown reason, they might harm my children's health. Although stimulant medications have been with us for more than 60 years, I wondered if some new side effect might emerge.

I countered those concerns by worrying about the potential "side effects" of not taking the medication: namely, my children struggling to stay focused and getting frustrated when they couldn't. After envisioning that scenario, the decision became far less difficult.

Take your time Each parent--and child--comes to the question of medication with different assumptions. My strong advice is to take your time, honor your feelings, and find a doctor who will remain patient, a professional who will provide information--not hurried commands--as you wrestle with your decision.

From a medical standpoint, the decision is obvious. Medication is by far the most proven, safe, and effective treatment for AD/HD. Careful, controlled studies have established that a trial of medication makes sense once the diagnosis is made. Remember that a trial of medication is just that--a trial. Unlike surgery, it can be undone. If the medication doesn't work or if it produces side effects, the physician can reduce the dosage or discontinue it. No harm done. But unless your child tries the medication, you will never know if it can benefit him or her as it has other children and adults.

Do some fact-finding From a personal, parental standpoint, though, the decision is anything but easy. It takes time and requires talking with your doctor and other experts. You might want to research the medication online and find out what the latest studies conclude about it. Get all the facts, and make a scientific, rather than a superstitious, decision. But I urge you never to start your child on medication until you're comfortable doing so. Don't feel that you're trying your doctor's patience or that your questions are foolish. Nothing done out of love for your child is foolish.

However, I also urge you not to reject medication out of hand. Many parents have heard so many bad things about AD/HD drugs that they're willing to travel to Tibet to find an alternative treatment before giving medication a try. It's very important to do your homework and separate the facts from the myths before dismissing the treatment.

Honor your feelings When I give lectures, people often ask me if I "believe in" medication for children and adults with AD/HD. My reply is that medication isn't a religious principle; it's a medical treatment. My feelings about AD/HD medications are similar to those about medications in general: They're great when they're used properly, and they're dangerous when they're not.

Sometimes it takes months or even years before parents decide to put their child on medication. Every parent has his or her own timetable. Stick with yours.

This article was reprinted with permission of ADDitude Magazine.

September's Featured myADHD.com's Tools
Parents of children and adolescents with ADHD can benefit from using this month's treatment tools. These tools focus on getting families ready for the new school year. As we all know, the transition from summertime to schooltime can be challenging. This month's treatment tools can help families get organized for the school year.