CHADD and AACAP Applaud Michael Phelps for Addressing Stigma of
AD/HD
For Immediate Release
Contact: Bryan Goodman, MA, Director of Communications and Media
Relations, CHADD
301.306.7070, ext. 128
bryan_goodman@chadd.org
Contact: Erin Baker, Communications Director, AACAP
202.966.7300, ext. 119
ebaker@aacap.org
Contact: Adam Lowe, Communications Coordinator, AACAP
202.966.7300, ext. 154
alowe@aacap.org
CHADD and AACAP Applaud Michael Phelps for Addressing Stigma of
AD/HD
WASHINGTON, DC, August 22, 2008 – Children and
Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) and the
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) applaud Olympic gold
medalist Michael Phelps and his mother, Deborah Phelps, for educating
the public about succeeding with attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (AD/HD).
"Congratulations to Michael Phelps for winning eight Olympic gold
medals. I applaud him and his mother for speaking about AD/HD. Mr.
Phelps shows that it's possible to go beyond coping with AD/HD and truly
achieve. His candor addresses stigma and, hopefully, will inspire others
to seek help," said AACAP President Robert Hendren, DO.
"It's important for people living with AD/HD to pursue interests they
enjoy and at which they excel," explains Marie Paxson, CHADD's board
president. "Phelps' success demonstrates that being a part of a
supportive family, setting goals, engaging in enjoyable activities, and
receiving positive feedback are all important in building self-esteem.
Phelps is clearly an exceptionally talented athlete and a source of
pride for the millions of people affected by AD/HD."
On men's mental health Dr. Hendren said, "Among men, there is a deep
stigma associated with seeking treatment for AD/HD. I hope that Michael
Phelps' openness conveys to young men that it's okay to seek treatment,
that it is part of a wise game plan."
On the role of family support, Dr. Hendren said, "It's obvious to
everyone who watched the Olympic games that Mr. Phelps has an engaged,
supportive, and enthusiastic family who helped him find his right fit
with swimming."
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is a neurobehavioral
condition characterized by excessive restlessness, inattention,
distraction, and impulsivity. Left untreated, individuals with AD/HD
have a higher potential of school failure and dropout, behavior and
discipline problems, social difficulties and family strife, accidental
injury, alcohol and drug abuse, depression, employment problems, driving
accidents, unplanned pregnancy, and delinquency, criminality, and
arrest. Additionally, individuals with AD/HD are more likely to be
criticized by others who do not recognize AD/HD as a health challenge.
(From ParentsMedGuide.org.)
There are different types of AD/HD. The most commonly identified group
consists of individuals challenged by both attention and hyperactivity,
or the combined type. (From AACAP's Facts for
Families.)
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), AD/HD
affects between 3 to 5 percent of schoolaged children. Additionally,
children with AD/HD have a higher likelihood of having parents with
AD/HD. Between 30 and 70 percent of children with AD/HD will continue to
show AD/HD symptoms into adulthood.
If parents suspect that their child has AD/HD, they should seek a
comprehensive diagnosis by a professional. Treatment can include
psychosocial interventions, medication, or a combination of these
approaches. Psychosocial interventions include cognitive-behavioral
therapy, social skills training, parent education, and modifications to
a child's environment and education program.
To interview a family member about living with AD/HD, please contact
CHADD's Director of Communications and Media Relations, Bryan Goodman,
at 301.306.7070, x 128 or bryan_goodman@chadd.org.
To interview a child and adolescent psychiatrist about AD/HD, please
contact AACAP's Communication Coordinator, Adam Lowe, at 202.966.7300
x154 or alowe@aacap.org.
Children and Adults with
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(CHADD) is a national nonprofit organization
providing education, advocacy, and support for individuals with
AD/HD.
The American Academy of Child
and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is a
medical association representing more than 8,000 child and adolescent
psychiatrists, physicians who promote mentally healthy children,
adolescents, and families.
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