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Shire Launches Nationwide Adult ADHD Mobile Awareness Tour
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May 12, 2008 - 11:48:53 AM

ADHD screening initiative launches in Atlanta and continues for 90 days; Shire expects up to 20,000 adults to self-screen for ADHD in 13 cities across the country

(HealthNewsDigest.com) PHILADELPHIA, -- Shire plc , the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced the launch of a 13-city mobile screening initiative for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a psychiatric disorder that affects approximately 4.4 percent of the U.S. adult population aged 18-44 according to the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, a nationally representative household survey. The screening initiative, launched in Atlanta, GA, is designed to help raise awareness that ADHD is not just a childhood disorder. Research shows it is estimated that up to 65 percent of children with ADHD will continue to exhibit symptoms into adulthood. Adults who think they may have ADHD can take the first step toward recognizing the symptoms of the disorder by answering the 6-question World Health Organization (W.H.O.) adult ADHD screener. The screening initiative, known as the "RoADHD Trip," is housed, transported and anchored by the RoADHD Trip Tractor Trailer which expands into a tented area housing eight self-screening stations.

"Shire developed this mobile screening initiative as a forum to educate the public about ADHD in adults and provide information and resources to individuals about this disorder," said Gerardo Torres, M.D., Vice President and Scientific Lead, of Shire's ADHD Business Unit. "This program demonstrates Shire's on-going commitment to providing information for those who may be struggling with the symptoms of ADHD."

In each of the 13 cities, Shire is partnering with the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), a leading adult ADHD patient advocacy organization, in an effort to assist up to 20,000 adults to self-screen for this disorder. Volunteers from ADDA will also be on-site to answer questions about ADHD in adults and to provide information about their organization. The W.H.O. adult ADHD screener, a questionnaire that is used to help recognize the symptoms of ADHD, will be available via on-site computers to help facilitate self evaluations. The W.H.O. screener is not designed to provide a diagnosis of ADHD but may provide information to participants regarding the symptoms of ADHD. Participants should discuss any questions they have regarding the W.H.O. screener results and other concerns about ADHD with their physician.

"Seeking information and speaking to qualified health care professionals are critical steps to diagnosis and management of ADHD," further explained Dr. Torres. "This initiative is an important first step to encourage that dialogue between patients and their physicians."

The symptoms of ADHD may lead to potentially serious consequences in adults. Surveys have shown that when compared with their non-ADHD peers, adults with ADHD may be:

-- Three times more likely to be currently unemployed;
-- Two times more likely to have problems keeping friends;
-- Forty-seven percent more likely to have trouble saving money to pay
bills;
-- Two times more likely to have been involved in three or more car
crashes;
-- Forty-seven percent more likely to have received more than one
speeding ticket in a 12-month period.

Adults who think they may have ADHD are invited to participate in a free self-screening when Shire's ADHD "RoADHD Trip," arrives in their area. The events will take in Atlanta, GA; Alpharetta, GA; Raleigh, NC; Simpsonville, SC; Albany, NY; Nashville, TN; York, PA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Milwaukee, WI; Taylor, MI; Ionia, MI; and Columbus, OH.

To find out specific dates of each of the screening events and for ADHD information in general, please visit www.ADHDSupport.com or ADD.org.

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