Host Of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Ty Pennington, To Participate In Experts On Call Program; Nation's Top Experts To Answer Questions About Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

New York, August 9, 2004 - To help patients, families and caregivers better understand attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dispel some common myths about the condition, Shire US Inc. will host the sixth annual ADHD Experts on Call on Monday, August 9, 2004 from 8 A.M. to midnight EDT. This year, the host of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Ty Pennington, who was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, will talk about his own experience managing the disorder, and answer calls along with some of the nation's top ADHD authorities at the toll-free telephone hotline, 1-888-ASK-ADHD.

The hotline is designed to provide "live" access to English- and Spanish-speaking experts including physicians, school nurses, educators and advocates who can answer questions regarding the disorder. In addition, a confidential, one-on-one on-line forum will be available at www.ADHDExpertsOnCall.com throughout the day.

ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorder in children and adolescents with approximately two million U.S. children, or three to seven percent of all school-aged children, diagnosed with ADHD. In addition, up to 65 percent of children with ADHD may still exhibit symptoms into adulthood, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Over the last five years, the ADHD Experts on Call have fielded more than 16,000 inquiries and have helped many people better understand the condition and how it may affect their families.

"I know what's it's like to grow up with ADHD and how important it is for parents, caregivers and patients, to have access to accurate information," said Mr. Pennington. "I'm thrilled to be a part of ADHD Experts on Call. I hope that by working with all of these great people and sharing my and my family's experience, I'll help other kids and families understand that there are people out there ready to help them and that it's possible to live a full, productive life with ADHD."

The symptoms of ADHD may have a profound effect on a child's quality of life and can be serious enough to interfere with academic accomplishments. But just as important, children with ADHD also may have problems maintaining friendships, focusing on sports and other after-school activities and relating well within their own families. A diagnosis of ADHD requires that a child exhibit behaviors that are more frequent or more severe than in other children the same age. These behaviors must create a real handicap in at least two areas of life, such as school, home or in social settings.

While the exact number of adults with ADHD is unknown, it is estimated that four percent of the U.S. adult population is affected by ADHD. A recent national survey, "Capturing America's Attention," found that the repercussions of ADHD may have limited adults with the condition from reaching their full academic and occupational potential, and limit their satisfaction with themselves and their relationships. According to the survey:

· Adults with ADHD are three times more likely to suffer from stress, depression or other problems with emotion;

· Adults with ADHD are more likely to engage in harmful or antisocial behaviors, like smoking and drug use;

· Adults with ADHD have less stable relationships than those adults without ADHD, as reflected in higher rates of divorce and/or separation (twice the likelihood); and

· Adults with ADHD tend to report lower educational achievement and are less likely to be high school or college graduates.

As the start of the school year approaches, ADHD Experts on Call provides a valuable resource to parents and teachers who may not be familiar with ADHD, but suspect that their child or a child in their care is showing symptoms of the disorder. In addition, many adults still deal with the symptoms and long-term effects of ADHD, and may want to call and learn about ways to manage their symptoms of ADHD. While the experts participating in ADHD Experts on Call will not provide specific medical advice for patients or parents or recommend a particular course of action, they can provide helpful information on topics such as:

· How teachers may approach parents if they suspect a student has ADHD;

· How parents can approach teachers about their child's ADHD-related needs;

· How to manage ADHD as an all-day disorder: before, during and after school;

· Proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment of ADHD in children and adults; and

· Common myths and misconceptions about ADHD.

"While this program doesn't replace a physician visit, parents and adult patients can learn valuable information about ADHD symptoms, diagnosis, support groups and treatment options that can help them better understand the disorder," said Dr. George Bright, Medical Director, Adolescent Health Center in Midlothian, Va., and first-time ADHD Experts on Call participant. "Despite the widespread prevalence of ADHD, many parents, patients and caregivers are confused by conflicting information about the disorder and don't know where to turn for help."

Although there is no "cure" for ADHD, physicians, parents, teachers and nurses are finding ways to help children with the condition adapt to their academic, social and work environments. Callers also may request a free booklet about ADHD with information on symptoms, diagnosis and available treatment options. For those who would prefer to use the Internet, a confidential, one-on-one, on-line forum also will be available at www.ADHDExpertsOnCall.com throughout the day.

About ADHD

ADHD is a significant mental health concern that impacts the patients, their families and their social circles. Children with ADHD often are inattentive, impulsive and hyperactive - difficulties serious enough to interfere with their ability to function normally in home, academic or social settings. These symptoms continue beyond the school day, affecting all aspects of the child's life. ADHD is a neurological disorder that manifests as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequent and severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. Hyperactivity is seen less frequently as the patient ages, however, inattention and impulsivity often remain.

Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc

Shire Pharmaceuticals Group plc (Shire) is a global specialty pharmaceutical company with a strategic focus on meeting the needs of the specialist physician and currently focuses on developing projects and marketing products in the areas of central nervous system (CNS), gastrointestinal (GI), and renal diseases. Shire has operations in the world's key pharmaceutical markets (US, Canada, UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany) as well as a specialist drug delivery unit in the US.

For further information on Shire, ADHD and Experts on Call, please visit the websites: www.shire.com, www.adhdsupportcompany.com. www.adhdexpertsoncall.com.

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