ADHD Across the Lifespan-View Presentation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This presentation was part of the Clinical Updates track at the APA meeting, designed to provide psychiatrists with comprehensive updates. The session, live-streamed for virtual attendees, featured Dr. McGuff, a distinguished professor of clinical psychiatry from UCLA, focused on ADHD across the lifespan. Dr. McGuff explained that ADHD is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder, often persisting into adulthood, with genetic, environmental, and developmental influences. Through brain imaging studies, differences in brain structure and function between those with and without ADHD have been observed. Standard assessment practices include parent and teacher rating scales for children and self-reported scales for adults to gather wide-ranging information for diagnosis. ADHD is marked by impairments across personal and social domains, influencing relationships, academic, and occupational performance. Medication, particularly stimulants like methylphenidates and amphetamines, are the most effective treatment, showing immediate results. Dr. McGuff emphasized proper dosing and assessment to find the right medication balance for each patient. Non-stimulants like Atomoxetine and extended-release alpha-2 agonists are recommended primarily when stimulants are unsuitable. Psychoeducation, school/work interventions, and patient-focused therapies, like CBT, also play pivotal roles in managing ADHD. Long-term stimulant use, when medically supervised, does not pose significant health risks, with evidence suggesting potential reduction in substance use disorder risks. Lastly, Dr. McGuff encouraged the responsible prescribing of ADHD medications, even in the presence of psychiatric comorbidities, with careful clinical judgment.

Keywords

Clinical Updates

APA meeting

psychiatry

ADHD

neurodevelopmental disorder

brain imaging

medication

stimulants

non-stimulants

psychoeducation

CBT

substance use disorder

psychiatric comorbidities