Navigating the ADHD Treatment Landscape from Childhood to Adulthood

A panelist discusses how attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behavior, affecting approximately 10.5% of children in the US aged 3 to 17 years with higher prevalence in adolescents and boys, highlighting its various symptoms, potential causes including genetic factors, and mentioning upcoming discussions about treatment options and transitioning care from pediatric to adult settings.

Panelists discuss how ADHD presents in a 10-year-old boy with combined presentation symptoms, emphasizing the importance of seeing difficulties across multiple settings and noting the genetic component when family history is present.

Panelists discuss how the DSM-5-TR criteria for ADHD require at least 6 of 9 symptoms in either inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive domains, with inattentive presentations often going unrecognized especially in females and highly intelligent students.

Panelists discuss how diagnostic challenges include ensuring symptoms are developmentally appropriate, distinguishing ADHD from other conditions like depression and anxiety, and using tools like Vanderbilt and Connors scales to assess symptoms across multiple settings.

Panelists discuss how ADHD diagnosis impacts families through stress and challenges but can also provide relief and understanding, while addressing quality of life effects including academic performance, family functioning, driving safety, and the need for structure and routine management.

Panelists discuss how ADHD risk factors include genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic influences.

Panelists discuss how the critical role of pediatricians in ADHD diagnosis and treatment challenges.

Panelists discuss how comprehensive treatment approaches emphasize combination therapy and immediate implementation.

Panelists discuss how non-stimulant medication options with detailed clinical considerations.