Adult ADHD Comorbidities: A Comprehensive Self-Study Program
Psychiatric comorbidities are seen in roughly 10% to 35% of adults with ADHD, and include major depression, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder. Although symptoms of ADHD and these co-occurring conditions often overlap, they are distinguishable when you know what to look for. This comprehensive self-study program describes the diagnostic processes for ADHD and each of these comorbidities, and discusses the best approaches to concurrent management. View these read-only, downloadable slide presentations online or use them in your presentations to colleagues. Slide notes are visible in the "outline" mode of the downloaded slide sets.
Timothy E. Wilens, MDThe prevalence of addictive, antisocial, and destructive behaviors in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is, in some cases, nearly twice that of the general population. ADHD and substance use disorders (SUDs) are strongly linked to one another and may be related to a variety of factors as diverse as self-medication, impulsivity, and genetics. Of note, patients with SUD may be more likely to receive a diagnosis than those with ADHD, even though effective treatment of ADHD has been shown to reduce the risk for SUD. The purpose of this educational program is to teach clinicians how to identify, screen, and treat patients with these comorbidities in a safe, effective, and time-efficient manner.
Andrew Nierenberg, MDThe overlap of symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder (BPD) complicate the diagnosis of both of these disabling conditions, particularly when they co-occur. Recent surveys have found that roughly 21% of patients with BPD have comorbid ADHD, and 19% of those with ADHD also have BPD. The treatment of these disorders is similarly complicated when they co-occur. The purpose of this educational program is to teach clinicians how to identify typical symptoms of BPD and those of ADHD, how to distinguish each from the other, and best management practices when treating both concurrently.
Thomas J. Spencer, MDRecent surveys have found the incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to be more than twice that in the general population. Furthermore, the presence of ADHD can heighten the symptoms of MDD. The fact that academic and social failure associated with ADHD can cause situational anxiety and depression complicates the picture further. The purpose of this educational program is to teach clinicians how to identify symptoms of MDD in patients with ADHD, as well as best management practices when treating both concurrently.
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