ADHD Game Plan Helps Scott Eyre Manage His Disorder;
Pitcher Stresses Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment
(PRNewswire) -- For most of his life, San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Scott Eyre could not understand why it was so difficult to pay attention at school, concentrate while trying to do homework or play ball, or why he seemed to get easily frustrated with his family and friends. At age 30, he found the answer when he was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a common neurobehavioral disorder affecting millions of children, adolescents and adults.
In 2002, while Scott was a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, a team psychologist recognized the characteristics of ADHD and urged him to undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a doctor. "After being diagnosed with ADHD, I understood that my constant hyperactivity and inability to focus on activities are symptoms of a common and treatable medical condition," says Scott. "And, more importantly, by developing a personal ADHD game plan with the help of my doctor and my wife, I found that I could gain better control of my life at home and at the ballpark."
"A total treatment plan consisting of management strategies and medication are the most effective tools physicians have to help patients manage symptoms of ADHD to reach their full potential in home, school, social and work settings," notes David Goodman, M.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "As children transition from unstructured summer time to a more regimented school year, it is critical for parents to discuss their child's ADHD with a doctor and develop their own ADHD game plan or strategy to manage it effectively."
Signs of ADHD Followed Eyre from Childhood to Adulthood
Growing up, there were many tell-tale signs of ADHD in Scott's life. He struggled in school because he was easily distracted and hyperactive. One of five siblings, including a brother who has also been diagnosed with ADHD, Scott says he acted like he was "driven by a motor" at all times. He would become easily frustrated with his family, and could not block out the activities of his household when he tried to do homework. "I often wonder what my life would have been like had I been diagnosed and treated when I was younger," says Scott.
"When a child is struggling in school, the symptoms of ADHD are often overlooked," explains Dr. Goodman. "The child might feel 'stupid' or inadequate after continual failure, which can greatly affect self-esteem and relationships with peers and family. Left unmanaged, children with ADHD often suffer academically and can experience behavioral and emotional problems into adulthood."
Scott's organizational problems, impulsivity and distractibility followed him through to adulthood. Throughout a successful baseball career at the high school, college and professional levels, Scott found himself continually fighting to stay focused. While on the mound he would find himself drifting off and listening to the crowd instead of "bearing down" on the batter. His teammates noticed his impulsive behavior and noted that it was nearly impossible for Scott to sit still in the bullpen and concentrate on the game.
Scott's wife, Laura, noticed that he had extreme difficulty waiting his turn to speak, would often interrupt people, and could rarely carry on a conversation with her without doing something else at the same time. Because of his struggle with ADHD symptoms, Scott exhibited little patience with his two young sons.
ADHD Game Plan Helps Pitcher Deal With Life's Curveballs
Working with his physician and wife Laura, Scott developed a personal ADHD game plan which now includes behavioral management strategies like keeping a running "to-do" list, establishing parameters for unstructured time or days off, and organizing his schedule with an electronic pocket calendar. He also takes CONCERTA(R) (methylphenidate HCl) CII, a long-acting medication for ADHD. "Now that Scott has been diagnosed and is managing his ADHD, he spends less time feeling frustrated and overwhelmed with the tasks he has to complete," says Laura Eyre.
"Sticking with a treatment program that includes focus techniques and medication is the right ADHD game plan for me," says Scott. "Parents should talk with their child's physician, teachers, and others to help determine the best ADHD game plan for their child."
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