ADHD is a brain-based neurodevelopmental disorder with implications across the lifespan. Individuals with ADHD exhibit increased risk for academic and occupational difficulties comorbid psychiatric disorders concomitant medical problems and a range of risky behaviors. Lifetime prevalence estimates are in the range of 8-12% among school age youth and 4-5% in adults without regard to nationality race or socioeconomic status. ADHD is of the most heritable psychiatric disorders. Early neuroimaging studies revealed smaller brain regions and areas of decreased glucose metabolism as well as delays in cortical maturation. More recent studies have emphasized dysfunctional brain circuitry in attention regulation. Appropriate assessment of ADHD includes use of standardized rating instruments careful assessment of symptoms symptom course and related impairments and a comprehensive medical history. Treatment is likely to include pharmacotherapy and judicious patient-tailored recommendations for behavioral academic and occupational interventions. This presentation will summarize ADHD outcomes proposed etiologies underlying mechanisms and approaches to assessment and treatment. Treatment of uncomplicated ADHD and ADHD in the presence of common co-occurring will be discussed along with strategies for addressing prescription misuse and potential malingering. Cultural and social impediments to accessing care will be discussed. The presentation will emphasize information intended to be useful in the clinical management of this common condition. There will be ample time for attendee questions and discussion.
Format
Recorded webinar, non-interactive, self-paced distance learning activity.
This presentation was recorded at the 2025 American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting.
Learning Objectives
- Identify two personal and/or social consequences of ADHD
- Identify one standard tool useful in ADHD assessment
- Describe three evidence-based ADHD treatments
Target Audience
Medical Students, Residents/Fellows, Psychiatrists
Estimated Time to Complete
Estimated Duration: 1.0 hours
Begin Date: October 1, 2026
End Date: October 1, 2029
How to Earn Credit
Participants who wish to earn 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ or a certificate of participation may do so by 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 event 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.
Physicians
The APA designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™. 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.
Program Presenters
Program Planners
- Vishal Madaan, MD. Chief of Education and Deputy Medical Director, APA.
Accessibility for Participants with Disabilities
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Technical Requirements
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- The latest and 2nd latest public versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Safari
- Internet Explorer 11+
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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
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