Struggling with relationships. Overwhelmed at work.  Problems with time management.  For many adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), these are day-to-day realities. While this is often considered a childhood condition, the truth is ADHD impacts nearly 9 million adults.

To help adults with ADHD overcome the everyday challenges they face, the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) and The HealthCentral Network partnered to host a summit and live Webcast on December 4, 2008. A panel of adults with ADHD, patient advocates and healthcare professionals gathered to share their personal experiences with ADHD and offer tips to manage ADHD in the home, workplace and social settings. Adults with ADHD, their friends and family are welcome to view the webcast today. The summit was supported by McNeil Pediatrics™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The following panelists will address different areas and needs for adults with ADHD:

• MODERATOR: *Evelyn Polk Green, current president of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
• *Dr. Edward Hallowell, practicing psychiatrist at the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health and also best-selling author of “Driven to Distraction” and “Delivered From Distraction”
• Dr. Lenard Adler, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Director of the Adult ADHD Program NYU School of Medicine, as well as President of the American Professional Society for ADHD and Related Disorders
• *Dr. Ari Tuckman, clinical psychologist with a focus on ADHD, depression and anxiety and author of “Integrative Treatment for Adult ADHD”
• *David Giwerc, master certified coach with the International Coaching Federation and founder of the ADD Coach Academy
• *Natalie Knochenhauer, adult with ADHD and founder and executive director of ADHD Aware, a nonprofit organization that provides direct services, support and advocacy for children and adults with ADHD in their families.
• *Uri Roer, recent college graduate and emergency medical technician in New York City who was diagnosed one year ago with ADHD
• *Laura Willingham, adult with ADHD and mother of two children with ADHD who advocates for the condition online and in her local community
• Eileen Bailey, expert on The HealthCentral Network’s ADHDCentral, certified Life Strategies Coach and mother of a son with ADHD

* In 2008, these panelists were paid consultants for McNeil Pediatrics™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a common and treatable medical condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. While ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders in children, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that these symptoms continue into adulthood for 30 to 70 percent of children with ADHD. With nearly 9 million adults impacted by this condition in the United States, there is a growing demand for help in dealing with the impairment caused by ADHD in adults. According to a 2008 McNeil Pediatrics™-sponsored nationwide survey of more than 1,000 adults with ADHD, participants agree that having ADHD significantly impacts multiple areas of their lives, including their ability to focus at work, their responsibilities at home and their relationships.

Causes
While the onset of ADHD has not been exclusively linked to a single factor, increasing evidence suggests neurobiological, neurochemical and genetic factors may contribute to the condition.

Treatment
Currently, there is no known cure for ADHD, but available treatments are aimed at reducing hyperactivity and impulsivity and improving the ability to focus, work and learn. According to the NIMH, behavior therapy and/or stimulant medications are recommended treatments to improve specific symptoms in adults with ADHD.

Attention Deficit Disorder Association
The Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA) is the world’s leading organization for adults with ADHD, providing information, resources and networking to adults with ADHD and to the professionals who work with them. Visit http://www.add.org for more information.

The HealthCentral Network
The HealthCentral Network is the third most-visited interactive health enterprise and the only one offering users deeply engaging experiences in managing their health online. Like all of HealthCentral’s 35+ sites, ADHDCentral is focused on the people who manage their condition day-to-day. Visit http://www.ADHDCentral.com for more information.

McNeil Pediatrics™
McNeil Pediatrics™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc, is committed to meeting the needs of medicine through the development of therapies specifically formulated for children and adolescents. McNeil Pediatrics™ markets a treatment for ADHD in the United States. McNeil Pediatrics™ is continuing to explore other new therapies to meet the special needs of children and the pediatric community. Visit http://www.mcneilpediatrics.net for more information.