Description 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is thought to affect 5-8 % of the child/adolescent and 3-5 % of the adult population and is associated with substantial functional impairment across life domains. Despite reports in the literature of high efficacy associated with standard ADHD treatments, many patients remain symptomatic, furthermore there is often a reluctance to use standard treatments for reasons including side effects, stigma, a desire for natural treatments and distrust of pharmaceuticals. Nutritional supplementation and dietary changes have been well studied and shown to be effective in different areas of medicine. In the field of psychiatry, studies examining vitamins, nutrients and dietary changes are emerging which have enhanced our limited understanding of their effects on ADHD symptoms. Recent preliminary research has indicated that vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, iron, zinc, magnesium, omega-3 and iodine could potentially improve ADHD symptoms. There has also been an increasing interest in the impact of different diets and probiotic intake on ADHD symptoms. New technological therapeutics such as brain stimulation techniques are attractive due to their relative safety and potential neuroplastic effects. These techniques have been examined in ADHD using repetitive transcranial magnetic and direct current stimulation (rTMS/tDCS). In addition, emerging research using trigeminal nerve stimulation, neurofeedback, and the gamification of ADHD treatments has demonstrated promising results. The use of technology in daily life has also been implicated as a potential problem in ADHD. Problematic Internet use (PIU) covers a broad range of online behaviours. It is associated with global prevalence rates ranging from 9-5 % as well as a myriad of negative sequelae including psychiatric comorbidities. ADHD has been identified as a risk factor for PIU and appears to share a similar comorbidity profile. Furthermore, individuals with ADHD may be unusually sensitive to screen media technology from television to mobile devices. Although this may lead to problematic use, however, benefits have also been demonstrated. Given the ubiquitous nature of screens and technology in modern daily life, it is important to understand the relationship between these modalities and ADHD. This presentation aims to explore both novel technological and alternative therapeutics for ADHD as well as the influence of technology on ADHD symptoms.

Format 

Recorded webinar.

This content was recorded during the APA 2023 Annual Meeting.

Learning Objectives 

1. To understand the effect of dietary changes, exercise, vitamins, and minerals on ADHD symptoms.
2. To examine the safety and efficacy of neurostimulation modalities in the treatment of adult ADHD.
3. To understand how gamification can impact ADHD treatments.
4. To understand the potential relationship between screen time and ADHD symptoms.
5. To identify the characteristics and risk factors associated with problematic internet use and ADHD.

Target Audience 

Medical Students, Residents/Fellows, Psychiatrists, non-psychiatrist Physicians

Estimate Time to Complete 

Estimated Duration: 1.25 hours
Program Start Date: May 1, 2025
Program End Date: May 1, 2028

How to Earn Credit 

Participants who wish to earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may do so after completing all sections of the course including the evaluation. After evaluating the program, course participants will be provided with an opportunity to claim hours of participation and print an official CME certificate (physicians) or certificate of participation (non-physicians) showing the completion date and hours earned. 

Continuing Education Credit  

In support of improving patient care, the American Psychiatric Association is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. 

The APA designates this live activity for a maximum of 1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

Faculty and Planner Disclosures 

The American Psychiatric Association adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity — including faculty, planners, reviewers or others — are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant conflicts of interest have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity. 

Instructors 

• Michael Van Ameringen, MD, FRCPC
• Carolina Goldman Bergmann, MD
• Barbara Tietbohl-Santos, MD, CPSO

Planners  

• Vishal Madaan, MD, Chief of Education and Deputy Medical Director at the American Psychiatric Association.

Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities 

The American Psychiatric Association is committed to ensuring accessibility of its website to people with disabilities. Please contact the American Psychiatric Association at 202-559-3900, if you require assistance seven (7) business days prior to the start of a live webinar. 

Technical Requirements 

This internet-based CME activity is best experienced using any of the following: 

• The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari 
• Internet Explorer 11+ 

This Web site requires that JavaScript and session cookies be enabled. Certain activities may require additional software to view multimedia, presentation, or printable versions of the content. These activities will be marked as such and will provide links to the required software. That software may be: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Windows Media Player. 

Optimal System Configuration: 

• Browser: Google Chrome (latest and 2nd latest version), Safari (latest and 2nd latest version), Internet Explorer 11.0+, Firefox (latest and 2nd latest version), or Microsoft Edge (latest and 2nd latest version) 
• Operating System: Windows versions 8.1+, Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) +, Android (latest and 2nd latest version), or iOS/iPad OS (latest and 2nd latest version) 
• Internet Connection: 1 Mbps or higher 

Minimum Requirements: 

• Windows PC: Windows 8.1 or higher; 1 GB (for 32-bit)/2 GB (for 64-bit) or higher RAM; Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content 
• Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher with latest updates installed; Intel, PowerPC G5, or PowerPC G4 (867MHz or faster) processor; 512 MB or higher RAM; audio playback with speakers for programs with video content 

For assistance: Contact educme@psych.org for questions about this activity | Contact learningcenter@psych.org for technical assistance