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TUESDAY, Sept. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Americans with questions about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can find answers by calling a free U.S. national telephone hotline, open all day Sept. 22.
Some of the nation's leading ADHD experts will host the seventh annual "ADHD Experts on Call" day, from 8 a.m. to midnight EDT. The toll-free number for callers will be 1-888-ASK-ADHD.
Information will be available in English and Spanish. Doctors, school nurses, educators and advocates will be among the experts available to answer questions about ADHD.
For people who prefer a more confidential approach, a one-on-one online forum on ADHD will be available at www.ADHDExpertsOnCall.com on the same day.
"While this program doesn't replace a physician visit, parents and adult patients can learn valuable information about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, support groups and treatment options that can help them better understand the disorder," Dr. David Goodman, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, said in prepared statement.
"Despite the widespread prevalence of ADHD, many parents, patients and caregivers are confused by conflicting information about the disorder, and don't know where to turn for help," said Goodman, who will be taking part in this year's ADHD Experts on Call.
The free hotline, sponsored by Shire Pharmaceuticals Inc., will be hosted by celebrity carpenter Ty Pennington, of TV's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Pennington was diagnosed with ADHD as a child.
ADHD affects 3 percent to 7 percent (approximately 2 million) of school-age children in the United States. The disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.
More information
The American Academy of Pediatrics has more about ADHD (www.medem.com ).
-- Robert Preidt
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