ADHD

Ageless

According to the Center for Disease Control, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood and can persist through adolescence and into adulthood. ADHD affects almost 4 million school-aged children and is among the fastest growing neurobehavioral disorders in adults with an estimated 2-4% of Americans affected. Medco Health Solutions reports that nearly 1.5 million Americans aged 20 and older are using ADHD drugs.

Life Altering

The cause of ADHD is currently unknown. ADHD is characterized by a chronic level of inattention or impulsive hyperactivity. Although individuals with ADHD can be very successful in life, without identification and proper treatment, ADHD may have serious consequences, including school or job failure, depression, problems with relationships, and substance abuse. Early identification and treatment are extremely important.

Difficult to Diagnose

ADHD is now diagnosed by medical and mental health professionals with a set of behavioral criteria, but there is currently no objective biological test. Researchers have suggested, but not yet confirmed, that ADHD may be linked to dysregulation of dopamine metabolism and/or an irregularity in the dopamine transporter (DAT) protein in the brain. Alseres' molecular imaging agent-which binds to and visually identifies the presence of the DAT protein-is being tested as a potential aid in the diagnosis of ADHD.

For a list of websites providing information on ADHD, visit our Patient Resources section.