I have to say I cringe every time another “expert” has come out with a documentary on ADHD. They are dry, depressing, and make ADHD sound like this death sentence for you or anyone with ADHD. Most of the time I watch these documentaries they make me so frustrated and I start to throw objects at the TV. So, when my sister called me up and told me there was a show about ADHD on OPB I was very skeptical. The next day I decided to look more into it and was very impressed.

When I found the website it was unlike any ADD/ADHD website that I have seen. The people behind it have ADD themselves or live with someone who has it. Even some of the “experts” they have on the site have ADHD. At first I found it very strange that they do not have articles they have webcasts and 3-5 minute films. Here is their website, I’d highly recommend visiting: www.totallyADD.com

The documentary is hosted by ADDer Patrick McKenna, who is a stand-up comic and star of The Red Green Show. McKenna takes a very humorous look at ADD/ADHD, touching on such topics as; shiny objects, myths, and generally attempts to paint ADD as much less of a life-altering monster. In the film they cover most of your basic questions, such as; what it is, how it is diagnosed and what treatments are available; and dispel many myths, i.e. bad parenting, too much TV, and the effects of medication. They try to show this is a serious disorder and that it is not something that will automatically ruin your life if you have it. There is a great deal of personal testimony and just as much humor makes this point that much more valid. They have also interviewed ADD powerhouses like Edward Hallowell, author of Driven to Distraction, and Thom Hartmann, author of ADD: A Different Perception. Then it ends with a few uncomplicated and very possible solutions to manage life with this disorder, I come away feeling that this was an excellent introduction into the world of ADD but by no means is it exhaustive, I hope they will continue to create so humorous and educational material. The program will air again Saturday, Jan 1, 1:00 pm PDT for more information on schedule visit the OPB website at http://www.opb.org/.

Here is a list of terms that we use and hear frequently.  If you are looking for something that is not on this list please let us know.

AD/HD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This is the official name given this condition by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR).

ADD

Attention deficit disorder (this is an older term for AD/HD, but still often used).

ASD

Autistic Spectrum Disorder

Behavior therapy

Behavior therapy (behavior modification) is an approach to psychotherapy based on learning theory which aims to treat psychopathology through techniques designed to reinforce desired and eliminate undesired behaviours

CHADD

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Comorbidity

In medicine, comorbidity (literally “additional morbidity”) is either the presence of one or more disorders (or diseases) in addition to a primary disease or disorder, or the effect of such additional disorders or diseases.

DSM-IV

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 4. A compendium containing Mental disorders.

FAPE

Free Appropriate Public Education.

IDEA

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is one of the main federal laws that protect the rights of students with disabilities in publicly funded educational settings.

IEP

Individual Education Plan.

Medication

Prescription drugs are the first-line treatment of ADHD. Experts estimate that ADHD drugs, when used properly, are 70 to 90 percent effective. Still, you may worry about side effects, especially in children, and the potential for addiction. How you respond to ADHD medication will depend on which drug you’re given, the dosage, and, of course, your individual chemistry. Here are the main types:

Medication- Stimulants:

Despite their name, these drugs will not make you hyperactive. They stimulate the part of the brain that maintains focus and keeps impulses in check. Extended-release formulations work for longer periods of time. Prescribed more often than any other ADHD medication, stimulants are not addictive or habit-forming if taken as directed.

Medication- Non-stimulants:

These drugs also alter brain chemistry but are considered less effective than stimulants. Atomoxetine is the first non-stimulant drug approved for ADHD and may produce fewer side effects than stimulants. Although deemed safe in clinical trials, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cautioned that, in rare instances, it may cause suicidal thoughts in children and teens. Tricyclic antidepressants are another valid second-line therapy for ADHD that affect brain chemistry.

Medication- Off-label:

This term refers to medications that are effective for ADHD but not approved by the FDA to treat it. For instance, amantadine is a drug used for Parkinson’s disease; however, researchers have found that it can work for ADHD too. Another example is the antidepressant bupropion. It is safe and legal to prescribe these and other drugs “off-label” for ADHD.

Multimodal or “Combo’ Treatment

ADHD experts often recommend a multi-faceted approach that blends medication and alternative therapies. They also advise creating a support network around your treatment plan. Check in with your physician regularly. And consider connecting your ADHD coach or psychotherapist with your doctor. Communication—and, yes, a dose of patience—are the keys to fine-tuning your treatment.

NT or Neurotypical

The term refers to society’s ideal that some people are considered “normal” and some people are not.

OT or Occupational Therapy

A profession that involves using occupations for bettering health. Occupations are considered anything that someone likes to do or has to do, ranging from hobbies to self-care. It is believed that doing things, increasing one’s independence and sense of self-worth, promotes health and will help people rehabilitating from a disease or illness, as well as those living with chronic medical conditions.

PDD-NOS

Pdd-nos means ‘pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specefied’ and is an diagnose for people who are in the autisticspectrum, but who don’t have the right symtomps to have an other label, like Asperger’s. It is often milder than other types of autism, but can be pretty hard to live with too.

Section 504

“Section 504″ is a civil rights law and the name refers to a particular section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity receiving federal funding.