Parents and Teens Finally Agree: ADHD Treatment Works

Families with teenagers diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) strongly believe that treating the condition can lead to significant improvements in school and at home, according to a new nationwide survey done by the National Mental Health Association (and supported by McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals).

Roughly two-thirds of these parents (66%) and teenagers (61%) report their teen/they currently receive treatment for ADHD. Both groups credit their treatment -- in the form of medication, counseling and/or behavior therapy, and school services -- with contributing to better grades in school, higher self-esteem, improved social relationships and enhanced participation in extracurricular activities.

"ADHD amplifies the issues that all teens grapple with, such as heavy
demands at school, more complicated social situations, and a growing desire for independence," said Michael Faenza, MSSW, President and CEO, National Mental Health Association (NMHA), the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and illness. "Therefore,it is critical that they receive the support and treatment needed to succeed during these critical years."

Before the families sought help, ADHD posed a major barrier to learning, self-confidence and relationships with other teens and adults. Most teens (77%) and parents (86%) reported that it was much or somewhat more difficult for teens with ADHD to do their best in school. Nearly three quarters of both groups stated that it was somewhat to very difficult for teenagers to feel happy/feel good about himself or herself. In addition, a majority of parents
(69%) and teens (64%) found that it was somewhat to very difficult for teens to make new friends.

"Research shows that as many as 80 percent of children with ADHD exhibit persistent symptoms during adolescence, and 60 percent go on to display symptoms during adulthood," said David Goodman, M.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University. "Left untreated, many teenagers with ADHD experience academic impairment, driving- related incidents, and are at higher risk of substance abuse, encounters with law-enforcement, and consequent negative impact within the family."

After receiving help, parents and teens experienced tremendous progress in their lives. Nearly six in ten (56%) teens saw their grades get better. A majority of both groups (81% parents, 73% teenagers) reported some to a great deal of improvement in their ability to feel good/feel happy. In addition, the ability to make and keep friendships dramatically improved; most parents and teens reported some to a great deal of improvement in making new friends
(70% parents, 61% teenagers) and getting along with friends (77% parents, 67% teenagers).
Additional survey findings include:

* Teens with ADHD and parents share similar views about the disorder. Both groups view it as a medical condition and behavioral problem (59% parents, 43% teenagers) and do not attribute ADHD to poor parenting or a lack of discipline.

* More than one in three teens (37%) are embarrassed about having ADHD. Teens who are embarrassed are more likely to report being teased (68%) or treated differently by others (76%) than teens with ADHD who are not embarrassed by their diagnosis.

* Among teenagers receiving treatment, therapy with prescription
medications is nearly universal (97% parents, 95% teenagers). Nearly
nine in 10 parents with a teen receiving treatment believe that
prescription medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD.

For additional survey findings and more information about ADHD, visit
http://www.NMHA.org.

ABOUT ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a real, common and treatable medical condition characterized by a variable attention span and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 7.5% of school-age children in the U.S. have ADHD.

ABOUT THE SURVEY
The survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris
Interactive from July - August 2004, for the NMHA through a grant from McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals. The survey evaluated the responses of a nationwide sample of 268 parents of teenagers, ages 14 to 18, who have been diagnosed with ADHD and 265 teenagers, ages 14 to 18, who have been diagnosed with ADHD. Parents and teenagers were recruited independently and were not matched pairs (i.e., parents and teenagers from the same family).

ADHD Teen & Parent Findings

Families with teenagers diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) strongly believe that treatment of the condition can lead to marked improvements in school and at home, according to a new nationwide survey. Researchers interviewed 265 teenagers and 268 parents of teenagers (ages 14 to 18) diagnosed with ADHD about their attitudes, beliefs and experiences with the disorder. Following are some of the key findings from the survey.

Impact on Academic Success
* Parents (86%) and teenagers (77%) agree that it is much or somewhat
more difficult for teens with ADHD to do their best in school compared
to other teens without ADHD.

* About half (52%) of parents surveyed believe that their ADHD teenager will attend college, while 61% of teens report that they plan to attend college.

* Teenagers with ADHD are three times more likely than parents to report that ADHD affects them only at school and not at other times.

Effect on Relationships & Social Issues

* More than one in three teenagers (37%) are embarrassed about having the disorder. Teens who are embarrassed about having the disorder are more likely to report being teased (68%) or treated differently by others (76%) than teens with ADHD who are not embarrassed by their diagnosis.

* Parents are more likely than teenagers to say that the condition
affects teen's relationships with siblings, teachers, and friends "a
great deal."

Types of Treatment
* Approximately two-thirds of parents and teenagers report their
teenager/they currently receive treatment for ADHD, including
medication, counseling and behavioral therapy (66% and 61%,
respectively).
* Nearly nine in 10 parents with a teen receiving treatment (88%) believe
that prescription medication is the most effective treatment for ADHD.

Impact of Treatment

* Prior to receiving treatment for ADHD, parents and teens report that it was very difficult to stay focused on activities, make new friends, get along with friends, and participate in school activities. After starting treatment, both groups report "some" to "a great deal" of improvement in these areas.

* Nearly three in four parents and teenagers say that before beginning treatment, it was somewhat to very difficult for teenagers to feel happy/feel good about himself/herself. After beginning treatment, the majority of parents and teens report some to a great deal of improvement in their ability to feel good/feel happy (81% parents, 73% teenagers).

* Nearly six in ten (56%) teens note that their grades have improved since beginning treatment.

The ADHD Teen & Parent survey was conducted for the National Mental Health Association (NMHA) by Harris Interactive and supported through a grant from McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals. Parents and teenagers were recruited independently and were not matched pairs (i.e., parents and teenagers from the same family).