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What is ADHD?

Overview:

Real and Treatable

ADHD symptoms include inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive behaviors

Nearly 8 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but it is thought to run in families

The symptoms of ADHD can be effectively managed with a treatment like CONCERTA^®

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What is ADHD?

Real and Treatable

ADHD symptoms include inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive behaviors

Nearly 8 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but it is thought to run in families

The symptoms of ADHD can be effectively managed with a treatment like CONCERTA^®

ADHD in adults is a real and treatable medical condition. Common characteristics of ADHD include inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive behaviors. Adults with ADHD can experience one of these symptoms, while others may experience all of them. The symptoms of ADHD can impact everyday life—at home, at work, and socially.

Over the years, the term "Attention Deficit Disorder" or "ADD" has been used to describe the condition. While some still refer to it as ADD, this term is no longer in widespread use. ADHD is the clinical term most medical experts use today as it most accurately describes all aspects of the condition.

One of the common misconceptions about ADHD is that it occurs only in children. But the truth is, ADHD can affect people of all ages—children, adolescents, and adults. It's estimated that in the United States alone, nearly 8 million adults have ADHD. The condition affects both men and women, including adults from all races and cultural backgrounds.

ADHD is thought to be a biological condition that affects certain types of brain functioning. The exact cause of ADHD is still unknown, but scientists have focused their research on the brain's chemical messengers dopamine and norepinephrine. These messengers are believed to play a role in behaviors like attention and movement.

Much like height or eye color, ADHD can be inherited. Studies suggest that 76% of ADHD is linked to family genetics. So the condition is more common among people who have a close relative with ADHD. Interestingly, many adults don't even realize they have ADHD until their own child is diagnosed with ADHD.

ADHD can be successfully managed. In fact, many successful adults have ADHD, including CEOs and Olympic athletes. The symptoms of ADHD can be effectively managed with treatments like CONCERTA^® as part of a total treatment program. If you've been diagnosed with ADHD, ask your healthcare professional about managing the everyday challenges of ADHD with CONCERTA^®.

CONCERTA® is a prescription product approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Talk to your healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Only a healthcare professional can decide whether medication is right for you or your child.

CONCERTA® should not be taken by patients who have: allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients in CONCERTA®; significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; glaucoma; tics, Tourette's syndrome, or family history of Tourette's syndrome; current or past use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); esophagus, stomach, or intestinal narrowing. Children under 6 years of age should not take CONCERTA®.

Abuse of methylphenidate may lead to dependence. Tell your healthcare professional if you or your child has had problems with alcohol or drugs; has had any heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems; has had depression, abnormal thoughts or visions, bipolar disorder, or seizure. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you or your child: develops abnormal thinking or hallucinations, abnormal or extreme moods and/or excessive activity; or if aggressive behavior or hostility develops or worsens while taking CONCERTA®. Your child's healthcare professional should check height and weight often and may interrupt CONCERTA® treatment if your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected.

Stimulants may impair the ability of the patient to operate potentially hazardous machinery or vehicles. Caution should be used accordingly until you are reasonably certain that CONCERTA® does not adversely affect your ability to engage in such activities.

The most common adverse reaction (>5%) reported in children and adolescents was upper abdominal pain. The most common adverse reactions (>10%) reported in adults were dry mouth, nausea, decreased appetite, headache, and insomnia.

CONCERTA® and OROS® are registered trademarks of ALZA Corporation

This site is published by McNeil Pediatrics™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., which is solely responsible for its contents. This site and its contents are intended for USA audiences only.

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Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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