(NAPSI)-Debra Brooks of Portland, OR, was 47 years old when she was diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This social worker, clinical therapist and mother of three had long been forgetful-regularly getting lost, losing her keys, etc.-and lived with a feeling of being "scattered and distracted." That feeling ended when Brooks went to see a neurologist, who diagnosed her with ADHD, and prescribed Adderall XR® (mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product).

"My life as I'd known it changed," she says. "It was as if I had been wearing window shades over my eyes for the first 47 years." Like many other adults who are diagnosed with ADHD, Brooks has a child-in her case, a 17-year-old daughter-who has the condition as well. Family Link An estimated eight to 12 percent of children exhibit symptoms of ADHD, making it one of the most common childhood psychiatric disorders.

ADHD is not only a childhood problem, as 65 percent of children with ADHD may still exhibit symptoms such as inattention and impulsivity into adulthood. While the exact cause of ADHD is not known, medical researchers have found that this disorder is highly inheritable, with 55 percent of diagnosed adults reporting that one or more of their children are afflicted, too. Experts believe this knowledge could help some adults fully realize their own battle with ADHD, as a result of a child's diagnosis. That's because many people may not realize they have the condition, but might look into it upon learning that one or more of their children have ADHD. ADHD is characterized by three core symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Children (and adults) suffering from ADHD find it difficult to pay attention, often are fidgety and interrupt others and aren't often able to control their own reactions. It can be difficult to know if a child's over-activity or inattention is normal for his or her age. A doctor can help rule out other possible explanations and recommend treatments that can help. "It is essential for families to understand the genetic link associated with this condition," says Stephen V. Faraone, Ph.D., an expert in ADHD and Director, Medical Genetics Research Center, SUNY Upstate Medical University. "Because ADHD is often inherited, parents and children should both seek out a proper diagnosis and potential treatment. Stimulant medications have been shown to be effective in treating symptoms of ADHD in both children and adults."

To learn more about adult ADHD and for information about Adderall XR, visit the Web site www.adhdsupport.com. When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, it's recommended that parents get tested as well. Adderall XR was generally well tolerated in clinical studies. The most common side effects in studies involving children included decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep, stomachache, and emotional lability. The most common side effects in a study involving adults included dry mouth, loss of appetite, insomnia, headache and weight loss. Adderall XR may not be right for everyone. Patients should speak with their doctor if they have a history of high blood pressure or any heart conditions, glaucoma, thyroid problems, emotional instability, mental illness, or a known allergy to this type of medication. If you are currently taking or have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a MAO inhibitor or have a pre-existing structural heart abnormality, you should not take Adderall XR. There is a potential for worsening of motion or verbal tics and Tourette's syndrome. Abuse of amphetamines may lead to dependence. Misuse of amphetamine may lead to serious cardiovascular adverse events. A patient should report any new psychological symptoms to his or her physician. For full prescribing information please visit www.adderallxr.com. For more information, consult your physician.