Saudi Gazette A handful of social workers and psychologists have joined together to start a support group for those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, as services and counseling for victims of this disorder are lacking in the Kingdom. The support group aims to offer counseling, one-on-one psychological and behavioral therapy, basic skills training, social activities, physical exercise sessions, and sports programs for teenagers and adults who have ADHD. It is a common misconception that ADHD only affects children and most of us are unaware that ADHD can cause many problems in the lives of adolescents and grown adults as well. The new support group is planning educational campaigns and outreach programs that will educate the general public, the media, and families of those afflicted with ADHD on this disorder and the obstacles that its victims face. Many teenagers and adults with ADHD in the Kingdom deal with their problems in silence and do not know where to seek help when their efforts to perform well at school or work are met with frustration. Some symptoms of ADHD may interfere with the person's ability to carry out some of the regular tasks that are a part of daily life. Boys are diagnosed with ADHD two to three times as often as girls. Signs that a child or teenager may have ADHD include: poor concentration and memory, being easily distracted and bored quickly, difficulty maintaining focus on one task, having trouble learning something new, does not seem to listen when spoken to, daydreams often, difficulty following instructions, fidgeting and moving around a lot, talking continuously, impatience, an utter lack of time management skills, impulsive and sometimes inappropriate behaviors like blurting our rude remarks or showing extreme emotions without restraint. A young adult who does not know how to cope with ADHD and how to overcome the symptoms may be vulnerable to developing depression or even driven to substance abuse. The director of the support group, Reem Al-Jizawi, told Al-Watan Arabic daily: “We already have a substantial number of people with ADHD who enrolled in the support group. In addition to therapy, the support group also provides art and computer courses. The majority of those with ADHD are actually very gifted and talented in art, graphic and interior design, and computer programming. One of our members who has ADHD is 23 years old and has been appointed as the manager of an advertising agency in Riyadh. A 30-year-old man with ADHD designs webpages but his disorder has created friction and problems between him and his wife.” Al-Jizawi continued: “In up to 60 percent of ADHD cases detected in childhood, the condition will extend into and persist in adolescence and adulthood. Until recently, countless children in the Kingdom who exhibited ADHD symptoms have been misdiagnosed and labeled under the name of one condition or another. It is especially difficult to diagnose ADHD in teenagers. “Although many advances in the treatment of ADHD have been made, treatment with medications alone is not enough. An ADHD patient is in grave need of a social support network and support and encouragement from his/her family, school, university, employer, spouse, and the social environment in general.” The ADHD support group is planning a host of beneficial programs and services intended to improve the quality of life of the patient and the family. The support group can also help train members in several important skills and help them find jobs. “An essential part of our support group and of any successful treatment program for anyone with ADHD is physical exercise. Studies have shown that patients with ADHD can boost their memory, improve concentration and control their erratic mood swings by engaging in regular, rigorous physical exercise,” said Jizawi. __
