Overview

This book aims to visually explain the underlying pathophysiology of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), give an overview of the evolution of symptoms and the comorbidities present with ADHD, and provide information on best treatment approaches for children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD. The book is divided into four chapters for ease of reading and referencing. Chapter 1, “Neurobiology, Circuits, and Genetics,” focuses on the known and hypothetical causes underlying the pathophysiology of ADHD. Chapter 2, “ADHD Across the Ages,” explains how the symptoms of ADHD can evolve over time and gives an overview of different rating scales for children, adolescents, and adults. Chapter 3, “Comorbidities of ADHD,” examines the different comorbidities that can be present with patients of all ages with ADHD. Chapter 4, “ADHD Treatments,” describes the different medications that are used for the treatment of ADHD and elaborates on their mechanisms of action. The visual component of this book is designed to allow the reader to easily grasp concepts.

Target Audience

This CME activity has been developed for MDs specializing in psychiatry. There are no prerequisites for this activity. Physicians in all specialties who are interested in psychopharmacology, as well as nurses, psychologists, and pharmacists, are welcome for advanced study.

Statement of Need

The following unmet needs regarding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were revealed following a vigorous assessment of activity feedback, expert faculty assessment, literature review, and through new medical knowledge:

• • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic disorder, which (1) does not fade away with time, (2) can remain undiagnosed until adulthood, or (3) can start in adulthood. Appropriate understanding of symptom evolution is required to make a proper diagnosis at any age.

• • Patients with ADHD have comorbid psychiatric disorders as well as weight issues, all of which can have an important impact on treatment selection.

• • The different rating scales available to aid diagnosis and tracking of symptoms of ADHD may not be used as often as they should be; at the same time, the diagnosis of adult ADHD may need a separate set of rating scales that reflect the differences in symptoms compared to childhood ADHD.

• • A number of new formulations of current stimulant medications, as well as new non-stimulant treatments with different mechanisms of action, are being tested and integrated into the market; these, in conjunction with patient education and therapy, may help improve treatment adherence.