Examining Tarrant County Resources for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), known officially as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is a highly prevalent behavioral disorder affecting about ten percent of children and adolescents between the ages of two and seventeen and is predominantly seen in males (2:1 predominance). The disorder is diagnosed clinically and may include inattention, hyperactivity, or a combination of these two aspects that can affect the child's daily life. ADHD is a disorder of particular concern because it often presents with an additional mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder and, more commonly, may severely impede the scholarly and social performance of persons it affects. We examined multiple resources in the Tarrant County area utilizing PubMed and local resource catalogues. Our resources were divided into three major categories: those that assist with diagnosis of ADHD, those that assist with treatment of ADHD, and those that support persons with ADHD. Additionally, multiple barriers to care were identified. We found that these resources, while freely available and easy to find, may present additional barriers to care including strict requirements for use, physical distance, and societal misconceptions. Along with addressing barriers to care, we also recommend increasing public awareness of these programs.