ADHD: Learn About Symptoms, Find Support
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of children throughout the United States. Many more people think they might have it because the symptoms can appear quite commonplace. That is why the Internet is bustling with Web sites devoted to ADHD-sites that try to clear up exactly what characterizes the disorder; sites that want to bring people together who live with it; and sites that teach people how best to manage it. Certainly the Internet is no replacement for a doctor, and almost all the sites below are quick to admit that, but the ADHD information on the Internet is a tool that should not be wasted.
Expand All Guide SectionsADHD and ADD Basics
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), also referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder ... read more »
ADHD Treatment
There is no cure for ADHD, but there are many treatments. Because those with the disorder may experience difficulty either learning or socializing with others, there are many forms of behavioral therapy. A number of medications can also diminish the symptoms. Usually the behavioral therapy works in conjunction with the medicine, and sometimes with alternative treatments, like a change of diet. The Web sites in this section detail how to diagnose ADHD and how to find standard medical treatments, behavioral therapies, or alternative treatments.
Dulcinea's Insight
- The Internet can be a dangerous place to look for medication or treatment for a disorder, especially when it comes to alternative therapies, because not everything on the Internet can be trusted. Make sure to consult only the most well established sites such as the Mayo Clinic or the American Academy of Pediatrics, or some of the others listed below.
- The "About Us" section of a Web site is a great way to determine its validity. Also, if a site does not have an "About Us" section, that is usually an indicator that is it not a valid source.
- For more on how to assess the credibility of health Web sites, see our findingDulcinea Health Web Guide.
- There are a number of articles online suggesting new breakthroughs in medicine and recent studies-make sure these articles are current by checking their publication dates.
- Always consult your doctor before beginning any new treatment; ADHD should not be managed alone.
Dulcinea's Picks
On diagnoses ...
The American Academy of Pediatrics
has a site geared toward parents of young children who may be showing signs of ADHD. It states that parents are not responsible for making the diagnoses, as that is a job for the doctors. But this Web site puts the parents more at ease by letting them know what is required of them and how they can best help their children in these early stages. It also describes what the doctor looks for and why.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
site, in contrast, is intended for doctors. It lets doctors know what to look for when presented with a potential ADHD patient. This site is still useful for parents as it provides an opportunity to see what the doctors will focus on.
The American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
has a site that states what is and what is not ADHD. Perhaps best of all, it has an easily accessible 28-minute video thoroughly explaining ADHD and how to handle it. AACAP also provides the names of child and adolescent psychiatrists in your area. Unfortunately, it does not include much more information about each psychiatrist, like credentials.
For medication ...
The American Academy of Family Physicians
has this simple and helpful site, listing the medicines used to treat ADHD, the side effects associated with any of these medicines, how to take the medication, whether the medicines help with other problems, and how long the treatment should last. The site does a great job of describing the medications for those without a medical background.
This National Resource Center on AD/HD
site is specifically geared toward adult medication for ADHD. The site is thorough, not only delineating the different forms of treatment in an easy-to-understand way but also including some frequently asked questions about some of the treatment plans.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration
compiles information on medications for a number of different disorders and illnesses. This is a good site to scan from time to time to check the status of a drug, and to see whether the FDA has listed any health alerts.
ADHD News
features this blog forum where you can find entries on a variety of recent news items relating to ADHD, from information and opinions on a new treatment called Vyvanse to discussions on an FDA warning. As with many blog sites, always be wary of the source.
For behavioral therapy ...
The American Academy of Pediatrics
speaks directly to parents, and is just as much about training parents to deal effectively with ADHD as it is about parents monitoring their children. The site explains the use of behavior therapy and contains a helpful chart with some examples of this type of therapy.
The National Resource Center on AD/HD
provides this site focusing on the use of behavioral therapy in combination with medical treatments. It is meant for adults and adolescents with ADHD, and contains an extensive list of suggested reading.
For alternative treatments ...
The National Resource Center on AD/HD
has an extensive section on alternative and complementary treatments for the disorder. There are many different ADHD treatments out there, and this site not only describes many of them but also explains what to look for in alternative therapies and how to maintain a critical eye.
The Nemours Foundation
site has an area devoted to creating an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Meant for parents, this site is a good introduction to IEPs, though it might be a little too vague to use on its own.
Support for ADHD
The effects of ADHD are not limited to the individual who suffers from the disorder. Sometimes ... read more »
Adult ADHD Help
Because signs of ADHD generally develop early in childhood, ADHD is commonly considered a childhood ... read more »
ADHD Research and News
Medical breakthroughs occur so often now that it can be difficult to keep up with the news. As the ... read more »
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