A support group for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) sufferers has been launched in Stanger.
Psychologist Anne Govender started the free sessions on September 25, with the aim of provide information on the illness and ways to treat and manage it, as well as help give patients and loved ones names of places where substance abusers can be rehabilitated.
If you or a loved one have difficulty concentrating without being easily distracted, have difficulty controlling what you do or say, are less able to control your restlessness, are more impulsive then others and very disorganised, you may have ADHD.
ADHD is a serious psychiatric illness that affects almost 10% of children and 5% of adults worldwide but is often undiagnosed or ignored.
Up to 10% of South Africans have been diagnosed.
It could be present from birth or early childhood and usually persists throughout a person’s lifetime, but is often not picked up or diagnosed.
While barriers to treatment have been reduced in recent years, there is still much stigma, misunderstanding and an environment of blame-and-shame that discourages people from seeking help for mental health disorders, including ADHD.
The disabling consequences of untreated ADHD are often due not to lack of effective treatment but rather limited access to expert knowledge, accurate information, and specialist care.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is launching a new toll-free ADHD Helpline – 0800 55 44 33 that is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm.
Call in for education, advice, referral and information on ADHD. This was made possible by an educational grant by Dr Paul Janssen.
Janssen aims to empower people through disease awareness, education and access to quality care.
To attend the free Support Group for loved ones dealing with children with ADHD, call Support Group leader Anne on 084 455 4433.
For more information, please contact Cassey Chambers, Meryl da Costa or Naazia Ismail at SADAG on 011 234 4837 or 011 234 4870 or go to the SADAG website at www.sadag.org
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