ADHD Teen & Parent Survey Findings

About the ADHD Survey

· The ADHD Teen & Parent survey found that 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

· The survey results reveal the similarities and differences in how teenagers and parents experience and perceive ADHD in many aspects of their lives.

· The intent of the survey is to drive discussion and increase understanding between parents and teens about ADHD, helping to better manage the illness.

· Researchers interviewed 265 teenagers and 268 parents of teenagers (age 14 to 18) diagnosed with ADHD about their attitudes, beliefs and experiences with the disorder.

· The survey was conducted in October 2004 for NMHA by Harris Interactive and supported through a grant from McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals.

Survey Results

• Both adults and teenagers view ADHD as a medical condition and behavioral problem, and do not attribute ADHD to poor parenting or a lack of discipline.

• Adults and teenagers acknowledge that ADHD affects scholastic performance and agree that extra help and tutoring make it easier to manage the condition in and after school.

• Parents are more likely than teenagers to believe that ADHD has an impact on teen social issues and relationships and believe that the disorder may impact their teens’ future success and social interactions.

• Teenagers who are embarrassed about having ADHD are more likely to report being teased than teens with ADHD who are not ashamed.

• Nearly three-quarters of parents and teens reported that before beginning treatment for ADHD it was somewhat to very difficult for teens to feel good about themselves. Following treatment, the majority of parents and teens surveyed reported a great deal of improvement in their self-esteem.

• Parents and teens credit medications, along with counseling and therapy, with contributing to better grades in school, higher self esteem, improved social relationships and enhanced participation in extracurricular activities.

• More than four out of five parents and teenagers claim that they are very satisfied with the results of ADHD treatments.

About ADHD

• ADHD is the most common psychiatric condition affecting children. 7.5% of school-age children in the U.S. have ADHD, according to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

• ADHD is a real common and treatable medical condition characterized by a variable attention span and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.

• Symptoms of ADHD −such as trouble sitting still, paying attention to details, and listening −can make school difficult for a child with the disorder. Although most children with ADHD have normal or above-normal intelligence, 40 to 60 percent have serious learning difficulties.

• ADHD is nobody’s fault.  Researchers believe that biology plays a large role in the development of ADHD.  Thirty to 40 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD have relatives with the same disorder, suggesting that genes are at least partly responsible.

• Children with symptoms of ADHD should be referred to and evaluated by a mental health professional who specializes in treating children. Early identification, diagnosis and treatment help children reach their full potential.