Press Release - April 22, 2004
Contact:
Jennifer Berman
Office of Public Affairs
NYU School of Medicine
Tel: 212-404-3555
E-mail: Jennifer.Berman@med.nyu.edu
Adult ADHD Screening Day
May Answer Lifelong Questions for Many New Yorkers
New York University School of Medicine Offers Free, First-of-a-Kind Opportunity
April 22, 2004, NEW YORK – Despite wide recognition as a children’s disorder, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) affects millions of adults who are undiagnosed and untreated. New York University School of Medicine Adult ADHD program will offer adults education and self-screening of ADHD symptoms at the New York Helmsley hotel (42nd Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues), on Friday, May 7, 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
“ADHD is a significant public health concern that affects nearly eight million Americans, but the vast majority – 85 percent -- are unrecognized and untreated,” said Lenard Adler, M.D., director of the Adult ADHD program, and associate professor of clinical psychiatry and neurology at the NYU School of Medicine.
At the event, attendees will be offered the opportunity to take
the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale (ASRS v. 1.1), a self-screening
instrument designed to reveal the likelihood of adult ADHD and
determine whether further evaluation is needed. The ASRS was developed
by Dr. Adler and other ADHD experts in conjunction with the World
Health Organization. Medical personnel will be available to discuss
the results of the screening and provide appropriate referrals
for full diagnostic evaluations and treatment. Additionally, attendees
will be able to learn more about adult ADHD through live information
sessions and question-and-answer periods. Those who screen positive
for the likelihood of ADHD may choose to join the NYU School of
Medicine Combined Adult ADHD Program Research Registry. Treatment
will not be provided.
- more -
Until the 1970s, ADHD was believed to be a childhood disorder
that people outgrow. However, scientists now know that while hyperactivity
may diminish, inattentiveness and
impulsivity can persist into adulthood. The impairments from untreated adult
ADHD are significant. Adults with untreated ADHD are more likely to be separated
or divorced. They are also more likely to change jobs or be fired more frequently,
and to under-perform on the job. Further, they are at increased risk for substance
abuse and motor vehicle accidents. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms
of ADHD can be substantially decreased, and quality of life can be improved.
The Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology Adult ADHD Program offers state-of-the art multi-disciplinary treatment approaches, including comprehensive diagnostic examinations, medication management, neuropsychological testing, cognitive behavioral therapy and family therapy. The program provides a special outreach to adults with ADHD - a unique program in the New York metropolitan area. Several research studies on ADHD are taking place in the Adult ADHD Program with the latest investigational medications and other treatments. The clinical program can be reached at 212-263-3580, and the research program at 212-951-6888 or adultadhd@med.nyu.edu. Adults interested in the self-screening may call 212-686-7500, extension 7070 or visit www.med.nyu.edu/Psych/training/adhdday.html for further information.
Adult ADHD Screening Day is supported by an unrestricted educational
grant from Eli Lilly and Company, and funding from the Metropolitan
Philanthropic Fund, Inc.
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