ARTICLE - ADVANCES IN UNDERSTANDING AND TREATING ADHD

ADHD

neurobehavioural condition characterized by perisstent inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity, leading to significant impairments in academic, social and interpersonal functioning

prevalence in school-age children and adults with ADHD

7-8% of school-age children and 4-5% of adults

which brain regions and neurotransmitters does ADHD involve

PFC, dopamine, reduced size or activity in ceratin brain areas

comorbidites of ADHD
- what % have uncomplicated ADHD

mood disorder, anxiety disorders, disruptive behaviour disorder, substance use disorders
- 20-25%

What are the treatments of ADHD

medications (stimulants mostly), behavioural management training, CBT

what do long-acting stimulants do

• also side effects

they offer convenience and reduced abuse risk

side effects: appetite loss, sleep issues, cardiovascular risks

what do non-stimulants do

can imporve otucomes

what is a concern in adult populations with the use of medicaiton

higher potential for misuse and diversion, especially among those iwht comobrid substance use disorder

why is treating ADHD challenging

1)high rate of psychaitric comorbidites

2)functional otucomes may remain limited

3)optimizing treatment is difficult