Adult ADHD

Date Published: 
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Duration: 
35:41
Download MP3 File

In this episode, Dr Cheryl Buhay will discuss ADHD in adults.

 

Topics:

  • 00:00 intro
  • 01:02 ADHD prevalence
  • 02:35 risk factors for ADHD
  • 04:06 How do we diagnose this
  • 06:57 How do symptoms change from childhood?
  • 08:58 common symptoms
  • 10:51 diferential diagnosois
  • 14:54 examination
  • 17:31 Red Flags
  • 18:53 comorbidities
  • 21:23 diagnosis - when to refer
  • 22:55 management of ADHD
  • 23:23 alternative to drug treatments
  • 25:00 drug management
  • 31:14 what's an acceptable weight change
  • 31:34 drug holidays with adult patients?
  • 31:59 Gaining additional advise
  • 33:21 Take-home messages

 

Take-home messages

  • Consider ADHD as a possible primary or comorbid diagnosis in adults presenting with inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity.
  • Untreated ADHD can contribute to impairment in a person's psychosocial functioning.
  • Assessment for ADHD is comprehensive and considers possible differential diagnoses and suitability for ADHD pharmacological management.
  • Management of ADHD is multi-modal and can include pharmacological and psychosocial interventions.  
  • ADHD treatments can be used across the lifespan. There is no maximum age to treat ADHD if the general health and cardiovascular status of the patient permits.
  • Prescribers should thoroughly weigh the risks versus benefits of treating ADHD patients. 

 

Resources

 

Presenter

Cheryl Buhay
Psychiatrist

Dr Cheryl Buhay is an Otago Medical School graduate and Fellow of the Royal Australia and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.  She is working for Waitemata DHB Specialist Mental Health Services as a Primary Care Liaison psychiatrist, providing specialist support to GP practices mainly within the West Auckland area.  She is involved in GP teaching and is a contributor of mental health resources to Auckland Regional HealthPathways.

Recognition of Learning Activities

Complete and submit the learning reflection form for CPD/MOPS points provided by The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners below for recognition of learning activities.

Learning Reflection Form

www.rnzcgp.org.nz

This presentation is intended for qualified health practitioners professional development and should not be relied upon for any other purpose. Any opinions offered are those of the presenter or other speaker and do not necessarily represent the views of Goodfellow Unit.