In the survey conducted in nine countries, the parents also said they have a very tough time and often face barriers to seeking medical advice.

Without Boundaries was spearheaded by the World Federation of Mental Health (WFMH) in partnership with ADHD expert Dr. Russel Barkley and Eli Lilly.

Nine hundred thirty parents from Australia, Germany, Mexico, The Netherlands, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain, and United Kingdom were interviewed in the survey conducted in the spring of 2004. The majority of the interviews were conducted using CATI (Computer Aided Telephone Interviewing). On-line interviews were completed in Canada. In most participating countries, advocacy groups invited their members to be involved in the survey.

"Without Boundaries was conducted because ADHD knows no boundaries and the global prevalence of the disorder is consistent across countries. ADHD impacts not only the individual, but also their families, friends, and society," said Dr. Jose Tablante, medical director of Eli Lilly (Phils.), Inc.

ADHD is a neurobiological disorder attributed to a developmental delay in the brain circuitry impacting inhibition and self-control. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the key symptoms.

For example, a child with ADHD is easily distracted, finds it difficult to complete tasks, and has difficulty returning to the task if distracted. He or she may often respond or act impulsively, move and speak rapidly, and may often respond or act inappropriately without thinking.

ADHD is highly hereditary. Numerous studies have indicated that the hereditability of ADHD is similar to that of height. Interestingly, the survey found out that two thirds of parents (69 percent) recognized ADHD in themselves or their partner, with the highest in Germany (84 percent) and the lowest in the US (56 percent).

Without Boundaries showed that parents in the nine countries surveyed were concerned by the disorder, with majority of them (87 percent) admitting to being stressed or worried about their child’s ADHD. In Spain, almost every parent (98 percent) echoed these concerns. The overarching worry relates to every facet of their child’s life.

Specifically, a large portion of parents reported they found it difficult to go places with their child (43 percent); experienced difficulties finding a baby sitter (46 percent); felt uncomfortable inviting friends and family to their home because of their child’s symptoms (32 percent); and that their child frequently caused trouble with others in the neighborhood.

Half of the parents believed their marriage had been negatively affected by their child’s symptoms, rising to two-thirds (65 percent and 61 percent) in the UK and Australia, respectively.

A majority of parents (87 percent) worried that their child’s ADHD would threaten his or her academic success. Up to 70-80 percent of children with ADHD are likely to continue to display symptoms into adolescence and the concerns of parents for their child’s ADHD symptoms would limit his or her future career. Long-term fear for their child ranged from almost universal in the UK (94 percent) to 74 percent in the US where there is greater awareness of the disorder.

Studies confirm the fears of many parents. If untreated, children and adolescents with ADHD are less likely to complete high school, further their education or remain employed, but are far more likely to be involved in drug abuse and traffic accidents.

The impact of ADHD can touch all members of a family and their daily activities. The majority of parents (60 percent) reported that the family life had been disrupted by their child’s ADHD symptoms, with parents in the UK expressing the greatest concern (89 percent).

Many parents claimed their child had to be excluded from social activities as a result of their ADHD symptoms, with Mexico (77 percent) and UK (80 percent) expressing the greatest concern. Exclusion at a young age can have long-lasting impact on a child’s self-esteem. Research in the US suggests more than 50 percent of children with ADHD have poor peer relations.

Dr. Tablante added that with accurate information, parents are empowered to demand appropriate medical attention from healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals need to be better at listening to parent’s concern and be open to the possibility of ADHD.

For governments, Dr. Tablante said they have to recognize and place ADHD on their national health agenda to ensure that children have timely access to care. Similarly, educators must work together to ensure that children receive the care they need.

And for the media, they have the responsibility to reverse the myths that surround ADHD and ensure that accurate facts are presented to their audiences. The media can play a vital role by creating awareness of ADHD and the impairment it can cause the child, their family, and society in general, if unmanaged.