This is one picture of ADHD – and of course – it is not always this difficult.

They report that prescriptions of Ritalin have risen by one third in the past 4 years in England. The conservative shadow children’s minister – Tim Loughton expresses concern that there are insufficient behavioral treatments available, and thus doctors may be relying on prescription medicines.

In all, this is a good 7 minute recording which underlies some of the issues that are impacting ADHD in the UK.

Definitely worth listening to. Here’s the link again.

Remember, that it’s best to combine medication plus other treatments to improve functioning in ADD and ADHD.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

Technorati Tags: ADHD, ADHD UK, United Kingdom, BBC

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

The reason to allow individuals with ADHD to ‘jump the line up’ is that they often have difficulty waiting their turn. In fact, ‘trouble waiting one’s turn’ is one of the core criteria in the diagnosis of ADHD.

I am aware that at attractions like Disney World, that anyone with a physical or mental disability can get a pass to go ahead of the line up. This is certainly critical for children in wheelchairs, or children with developmental delays and/or autism.

I imagine that parents of children with ADHD would struggle with hour long line ups to get the attractions. I imagine that parents would often have to forgo certain rides or events because of it. So having the ability to get ahead of the line up for ADHD could be tremendous.

The BBC report on this story quotes and expert who says that we should not be giving individuals with ADHD the ability to jump ahead of the lines, as this is not realistic to life. We cannot create a life where people with ADHD don’t have to wait for things.

On the one hand – I believe that kids with moderate to severe ADHD, particularly if there is a co-existing behavior disorder, would struggle a lot with line ups, and this new rule would be fantastic for them and their families.

On the other hand – I think this is a rule that could be misused and create a backlash and anger about individuals with ADHD. Don’t all parents struggle keeping their kids in the hour long line up for the 5 minute ride? Especially when it’s hot, and the child is hungry, and has to go to the bathroom, etc.?

Having this type of accommodation at major theme parks like: Sea World, Disneyland, Disneyworld, or Six Flags could be very helpful to families who have ADHD in them. But could it create a backlash?

I don’t know what the right answer is.
This has been passed in the UK.
Should it be in the USA and other major countries?

Please share your thoughts and experiences below. I want to know what people are experiencing out there – and I know readers of this blog have shed light on issues that people elsewhere aren’t even aware of.

Thanks,

Dr. Kenny

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Technorati Tags: ADD, ADHD, Disability, Disneyland, Disneyworld, Parenting, Sea World, UK

In February 2009, Shire purchased the rights to market Equasym in Europe (for $55 Million Euros). Equasym is a mid-acting methylphenidate product – similar in action to Metadate CD.

This will give Shire the opportunity to market in the ADHD treatment area in Europe. Presumably – this is a strategic approach to allow them to bring their own products to market in Europe (maybe Vyvanse? Daytrana?).

As Shire has brought many products to help provide treatment options for people with ADD/ADHD in the US and other countries – hopefully this move is an indication of more support to come for people with ADD/ADHD in Europe.

Click here to read a news report on this issue.

Technorati Tags: Equasym, Metadate CD, Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Shire, Europe, ADD, ADHD, Medication

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Her story was recently written up in the ‘South Wales Argus’, and you can read the article here.

As an active Adult ADHD advocate, Alison is appearing on ‘This Morning’ on TV (ITV, to be precise) at 10:30 am (on July 24th) to discuss Adult ADD/ADHD.

While there are some experts to help with Adult ADHD in the UK, the NHS help may be ‘patchy’.

Alison has recently joined ADHD World – a social network for people with ADD/ADHD. You can view her profile page here. She, and some other residents of the UK, have started an ADHD UK Discussion Group.

Membership in ADHD World is free – and if you want to discuss any issues of ADD or ADHD in the UK (in kids or adults), just join ADHD World here, and then join the ADHD UK group, and share your questions or comments. You’ll be connecting with some ‘active advocates’.

Keep up the great work in the UK!

Best,

Dr. Kenny

Technorati Tags: Adult ADHD, Adult ADD, United Kingdom, ADHD UK, Social Network

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.

Today, I saw an article in the British (online) Press, that an inquiry will be requested into how ADHD is diagnosed and treated in the UK. You can read the story here.

My initial reaction, I must admit, was frustration and concern. I was frustrated thinking that they are over reacting to mis-information, and concerned that this would interfere with the help for people with ADHD in the UK.

But then I thought about it…

The truth is… this may lead to more resources and funding for behavioral and non-medication treatments for ADHD. That is a good thing! (Since the best treatment for ADHD is a combination of non-medication and medication approaches).

So, I now consider this positive, and a chance for advocacy.

My suggestions for our British friends (who are advocates for ADHD) is to get actively involved in this process so that the members of the inquiry (if it happens) will have the proper information. This will help children, teens and adults with ADHD.

It would be a tragedy if this inquiry led to more widespread misinformation and restrictions on the access to medications. Hopefully, this will lead to a better understanding of ADHD and access to more resources and comprehensive treatment.

Please share your thoughts and comments below.

Dr. Kenny

©2012 ADD ADHD Blog.com. All Rights Reserved.