VOLUME 11, NO.5                                       September 28, 2006

 

 

NJ ADD/ADHD ADULT NEWSLETTER

ADD ADULT SELF HELP SUPPORT GROUP

FOR ADD/ADHD ADULTS

AND THEIR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS

 

MEETING: THE NEXT MEETING OF THE ADD ADULT SELF HELP SUPPORT GROUP WILL BE ON SEPTEMBER 28, 2006 AT 7:30 PM AT MONMOUTH MEDICAL CENTER, COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM , LONG BRANCH, NJ.  GO TO THE MAIN RECEPTION DESK AND GET DIRECTIONS.  THE TOPIC FOR THE NEXT TWO MONTHS WILL BE: RELATIONSHIPS--MAKING THEM WORK!!!

 

TRANSITIONS FAIR:  Adders often have difficulties transitioning from high school to college, to work, to recreation, to new housing, to retirement.  There is a second annual Transitional Fair on Thursday, October 5, 2006 from 7-9 pm. in the Commons Areas of Holmdel High School, 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel, NJ.  The Fair is mostly for students from ages 14 and older and their families.  Since it is free, it might be of interest to some of our members, or their children.  For more information: 732-571-4884 or orrie.moceans@verizon.net

 

TRIVIA:  Did you know that the world's fastest man, Justin Gatlin ran the 100 meter sprint in 9.77 seconds, tying the world record; and he has ADHD.  It has been estimated that about 10 percent of all pro athletes have ADHD.  ADDers often excel in sports.  For more see Michael Stabeno's THE ADHD AFFECTED ATHLETE,  Trafford Publishing, 2006.

 

RESEARCH:  In a research article by R.Barkley, Ph.D. and K.Murphy, Ph.D., Identifying New Symptoms for Diagnosing ADHD in Adulthood, The ADHD Report, 2006,14(4):7-11, it was found that the following criteria better identifies ADHD than DSM-IV.  Here are the findings:

A. Six or more of the following for at least 6 months; must be maladaptive and inconsistent developmentally.

1.Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.

2.Often makes decisions impulsively

3.Often has difficulty stopping activities or behavior when should do so

4.Often starts a project or task without reading or listening to directions carefully

5.Often shows poor follow-through on promises or commitments made to others

6.Often has trouble doing things in their proper order or sequence

7.Often more likely to drive a motor vehicle much faster than others

8.Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or leisure activities

9.Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

B.Some symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 16 years

C.Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g.work, educational activities, home life, social functioning, community activities, etc.)

D.There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, domestic (cohabiting, financial, driving, child-rearing, etc.)or occupational functioning

E.The symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of another disorder

COMMENTS: This compilation seems far more clinically valid for adults with ADHD than the DSM-IV.  Hopefully DSM-V will adopt these criteria.  Barkley and Murphy have done an excellent job.                                                                 PEACE!!!            

                                                                                                                Bob

This newsletter is available free as an email at www.DrLoPresti.com.  It is offered to readers only for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute medical or psychological advice; always consult your doctor.