Perhaps the most studied and diagnosed mental health issue in children, attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) is believed to affect up to 5% of children worldwide, most with symptoms emerging by the time they enter school.
Marked by impulsive, restless behavior and inattentiveness, ADHD is not limited to children, however. Some estimates of adults living with ADHD are as high as 4.7%, with males diagnosed up to four times more frequently than females. Associated conditions may include oppositional defiance, conduct issues, borderline personality issues, vigilance, mood issues such as bipolar and depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsion, and substance use. It is believed that diet, social and physical environment, and genetics may contribute to or exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
The Internet is flush with information about ADHD, not all of it accurate or particularly helpful to those living with the neurobehavioral issue or seeking information about this sometimes controversial diagnosis. As with our top 10 list of grief and loss websites, we selected the 10 best ADHD resources on the web for 2012—GoodTherapy.org excluded—to help people better find their way. Among the criteria we used to select our top 10 ADHD websites are quality and depth of content, presentation, and functionality.
- ADDitude Magazine: The online version of ADDitude Magazine is a comprehensive resource for adults and children with ADHD, as well as parents and family members of such individuals. ADDitude Magazine provides information about medication, dietary tips, and tools for educating and parenting ADHD children. Site visitors are able to share personal stories, connect with others through support groups, and receive bimonthly e-newsletters with recent news and information.
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA): The Attention Deficit Disorder Association advocates for public policy and legislative change and coordinates ADHD Awareness Week to increase public recognition and understanding. Site visitors can find scholarly articles about ADHD, coping tools, and support groups in their area. ADDA also holds an Annual Community Health Conference and webinars for ADDA members.
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD): Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals with ADHD. CHADD is a membership organization that offers benefits for families, educators, professionals, students, and organizations. In addition to information and educational resources about ADHD, CHADD has more than 200 chapters in the United States and provides a directory of professionals offering support services for individuals and families living with ADHD.
- National Resource Center on ADHD: The National Resource Center on ADHD is a program of CHADD. This program is focused on the science of ADHD, and offers extensive information and resources about medication, symptoms, and the behavior of ADHD. The National Resource Center on ADHD provides live assistance for site visitors and a guide to insurance issues, the legal system, and public benefits programs for individuals living with ADHD.
- ADHD and Marriage: ADHD and Marriage is run by ADHD experts Melissa Orlov and Edward Hallowell, and is designed to support adults who are in relationships when one or both parties is living with ADHD. ADHD and Marriage offers counseling information, seminars for couples, a personal blog, and forums for connecting with others.
- ADHD & You: ADHD & You is a resource for health care professionals, parents and caregivers, and people living with ADHD. Information about ADHD and its symptoms is presented, along with tips for management, treatment options, and resources for school and the workplace. ADHD & You provides a support program called “ADHD: A Shared Focus” for comprehensively understanding and managing ADHD.
- A Mom’s View of ADHD: A Mom’s View of ADHD is a group blog originated by published ADHD author Penny Williams, specifically designed to support parents of children with ADHD. The blog provides personal stories from parents, a forum for support, and extensive information about parenting, treatment, co-morbidities, self-care, and reviews of products useful for parents of and children with ADHD.
- Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Forums: The Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Forums are a highly active resource for individuals living with ADHD. The forums have more than 70,000 members and offer a safe place for site visitors to share personal experiences, connect with others, and gain valuable, personalized support from others.
- 18 Channels: An ADHD Life: 18 Channels: An ADHD Life is a personal blog by published ADHD author Katy Rollins. Her blog details the challenges of coping with ADHD in adulthood and is designed to be a resource for other individuals living with ADHD. Coping strategies, medications, and anxiety are among the topics covered on 18 Channels: An ADHD Life.
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