1. The Clinical Relevance of New Science in ADHD Assessment and Management

Here’s what’s new in the science of ADHD: The World Federation Consensus Statement have publicized evidence-based statements based on meta-analyses. Clinical Guidelines have translated evidence into recommendations for care. Measurement-informed care has been demonstrated to improve clinical outcomes. Differences between medications have been shown to be associated with changes in functional impairment in different domains. We know Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome as a distinct disorder moderately responsive to medication. Controversy has surrounded the question of whether ADHD can arise de novo in adulthood, but clinically we see rising recognition and guidelines for assessment and management of ADHD in adults. Longitudinal outcomes of ADHD show fluctuating periods of remission requiring clinicians to increase vigilance for the possibility of recurrence. New research in sleep, emotional regulation and executive function have led to distinct treatments to address these problems. Recognition of disparities in prevalence and access have increased targeted DEI initiatives. Environmental causes of ADHD are opening up initiatives directed at prevention. Observational studies that control for confounding by indication using a self-control, within individual design have demonstrated the impact of stimulant treatment on a wide range of critical functional outcomes including physical injury, car accidents, criminality, substance use, suicide, obesity, and mortality. Network meta-analyses have resulted in evidence based rationale for choosing first choice medications. RCTs of psychosocial treatments have continued to demonstrate which treatments are effective (or not effective) and for whom. Digital
therapeutics raise the possibility of creating better access to care, but have to date only rarely been evaluated in well-powered RCTs against sham controls.Let’s look at these ideas and relate them to practice.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Review key innovations of new research in ADHD.
2. Evaluate the clinical impact of translating these innovations into clinical practice.
3. Explore opportunities for clinical translation of new research paradigms in the future

CADDRA – Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance has been approved by the College of Family Physicians, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Canadian Psychological Association to offer 1.25 continuing education credits for this session.  CADDRA maintains responsibility for the program.

Participation in a discussion forum is required to claim full credits.