(BPT) – Did you know that approximately 6.4 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in their lifetime?^1* With ADHD Awareness Month coming up in October, what better time to learn more about this chronic mental disorder and debunk some myths about ADHD? Below are some common misperceptions about ADHD and five fast facts that may surprise you.

Myth: ADHD isn’t a serious or real disorder.

ADHD can be a chronic mental disorder characterized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5^®) and includes the core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.² ADHD is commonly referred to as AD/HD and ADD, although the correct term is ADHD.

Myth: ADHD is an “excuse.”

This is not the case. In fact, ADHD is a real disorder that can cause challenges at home, school/work or in social situations.²

Myth: ADHD only affects men, not women.

While ADHD is more frequent in men than women within the general population, women are more likely to primarily have symptoms of inattention than men.²

Myth: ADHD is a “kid’s disorder.”

While an estimated 11 percent (6.4 million) of U.S. school-aged children have been diagnosed with ADHD in their lifetime,^1* 4.4 percent of adults are estimated to have ADHD as well. When this number is applied to the full U.S. adult population (aged 18 and over), approximately 10.5 million adults are estimated to have ADHD in the U.S.^3,4,† Furthermore, in approximately 50 to 66 percent of children with ADHD, the symptoms may continue from childhood into adulthood.^5,6,7

Myth: ADHD is curable.

While there is currently no cure for ADHD, there are a variety of treatment options, both medication and non-medication alternatives, available that may help to manage the symptoms. If you think you or someone you know may have ADHD, speak to your healthcare professional about what treatment options may be right for you.

One treatment option is VYVANSE^® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), the #1 prescribed branded ADHD medication approved for ADHD patients 6 and older. Medication may not be appropriate for all patients. Individual results may vary so to learn more about Vyvanse and whether it could be right for you, talk to your doctor and visit www.vyvanse.com.

VYVANSE^® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in patients 6 years and above. It is not for weight loss. It is not known if Vyvanse is safe and effective for the treatment of obesity.

Vyvanse is a federally controlled substance (CII) because it can be abused or lead to dependence. Keep Vyvanse in a safe place to prevent misuse and abuse. Selling or giving away Vyvanse may harm others and is against the law. See below for continued safety information.

Vyvanse Capsules are currently available in seven once-daily strengths (10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, 60mg, and 70mg). Vyvanse Chewable Tablets are currently available in six once-daily dosage strengths (10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg, 50mg, and 60mg). To learn more about Vyvanse and for the Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information, talk to your doctor and visit www.vyvanse.com, or call toll-free at 1-800-828-2088.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Vyvanse is a stimulant medicine. Tell the doctor if you or your child have ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.

Who should not take Vyvanse?

Do not take Vyvanse if you or your child are:

• taking or have taken an anti-depression medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days.

• sensitive or allergic to, or had a reaction to other stimulant medicines.

Serious problems can occur while taking Vyvanse. Tell the doctor:

• if you or your child have heart problems, heart defects, high blood pressure, or a family history of these problems. Sudden death has occurred in people with heart problems or defects taking stimulant medicines. Sudden death, stroke and heart attack have happened in adults taking stimulant medicines. Your doctor should check you or your child carefully for heart problems before starting Vyvanse. Since increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur, the doctor should regularly check these during treatment. Call the doctor right away if you or your child have any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Vyvanse.

• if you or your child have mental (psychiatric) problems, or a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression. New or worse behavior and thought problems or new or worse bipolar illness may occur. New psychotic symptoms (such as seeing or hearing things that are not real, believing things that are not true, being suspicious) or new manic symptoms may occur. Call the doctor right away if there are any new or worsening mental symptoms or problems during treatment.

• if you or your child have circulation problems in fingers and toes (peripheral vasculopathy, including Raynaud’s phenomenon). Fingers or toes may feel numb, cool, painful, sensitive to temperature and/or change color from pale, to blue, to red. Call the doctor right away if any signs of unexplained wounds appear on fingers or toes while taking Vyvanse.

• if your child is having slowing of growth (height or weight). The doctor should check your child’s height and weight often while on Vyvanse, and may stop treatment if a problem is found.

• if you or your child have symptoms of serotonin syndrome: agitation, hallucinations, coma, or changes in mental status; problems controlling movements or muscle twitching, stiffness, or tightness; fast heartbeat; sweating or fever; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if symptoms occur. Serotonin syndrome may occur if Vyvanse is taken with certain medicines and may be life-threatening.

• if you or your child are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Vyvanse may harm your unborn baby.

• if you or your child are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed while taking Vyvanse. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take Vyvanse.

What are possible side effects of Vyvanse?

The most common side effects of Vyvanse in ADHD include:

For additional safety information, click here for the Medication Guide, including Boxed WARNING regarding Potential for Abuse and Dependence, and discuss with your doctor.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.