National ADHD Coalition Launches New PSA In Conjunction With ADHD Awareness Week

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a genetic, neurobiological disorder that results in challenges with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that affects more than 13 million Americans, along with their families, friends and colleagues. The ADHD Awareness Coalition partnered with TotallyADD.com to conduct the first-ever Totally ADD & Me video contest seeking honest, funny, and meaningful videos from people living with ADHD to be compiled into a national Public Service Announcement (PSA) for release during ADHD Awareness Week—October 14-20, 2012.

After five finalists were chosen, a nationwide public vote was conducted and the winner of the Totally ADD & Me video contest is Donna Bland—her winning video can be viewed here. Supporting the theme of "The Many Faces of ADHD" for this year's awareness week, the PSA is designed to elevate awareness of ADHD and help people to recognize the broad spectrum of individuals—male and female, adult and child—living with this serious, often misunderstood and under-diagnosed illness.  The PSA can be viewed here.

"ADHD is a non-discriminatory disorder affecting people of every age, gender, IQ, and background," said Zandra Maffett, ADHD Awareness Coalition Chair and board member of the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA).  "Because ADHD also impacts relationships, employment, academics, and more, our goal for this year's ADHD Awareness Week is to empower and educate the many types of people with ADHD to take action and seek appropriate information, resources and treatment to manage their condition."

"With the Totally ADD & Me video competition, we hope to further strengthen the ADHD community and bring insight and humor to the daily struggles of living with ADHD in a creative format," said Ruth Hughes, CEO of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), a member of the ADHD Awareness Coalition.  "Donna's creative take on the ups and downs of life with ADHD is a perfect demonstration of overcoming the obstacles of this condition and living a healthy and fulfilling life."

More information about ADHD Awareness Week, tools and resources for download, and treatment and strategy options for managing the condition are available at www.ADHDAwarenessWeek.org.

About ADHD
More than 13 million children and adults are living with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the United States. Abundant scientific research has led major mainstream medical, mental health and educational organizations in the U.S. to conclude that ADHD is a real neurological disorder. The American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Institute of Mental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Psychiatric Association, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, National Medical Association and the U.S. Department of Education, among others, recognize ADHD as a legitimate diagnosis.

Research shows that ADHD has a very strong neurobiological basis. Its primary symptoms are inattention, impulsiveness, and sometimes, hyperactivity.  ADHD is included in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), which provides criteria for diagnosing the condition.

About the Contest
Following an open call for entries, five finalist videos were selected by a jury of industry experts and then submitted for a public vote from September 6-23, 2012 to determine the winning video.  Portions of all accepted submissions were eligible for inclusion in a PSA highlighting the full spectrum of individuals affected by ADHD, unveiled during Awareness Week.  All those who submitted a video were eligible to win 1 of 10 subscriptions to ADDitude Magazine. The top 5 finalists each won a prize package worth over $500 with the grand prize package worth over $1000. Details are available at www.adhdawarenessweek.org/videocontest.    

About the Coalition
The ADHD Awareness Coalition is made up of five organizations collaborating to promote awareness of ADHD and provide support for individuals and families affected by the disorder.

• ADDitude Magazine
  Contact: Susan Caughman, [email protected]  
• ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO)
  Contact: Sarah Wright, [email protected]
• Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA)
  Contact: Evelyn Green, [email protected]
• Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
  Contact: Ruth Hughes, [email protected]
• National Resource Center on AD/HD (NRC)
  Contact: Tim MacGeorge, [email protected]

SOURCE ADHD Awareness Coalition