eiseEducation

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions in children and adolescents, yet its assessment and management remain clinically complex. Symptoms often overlap with a range of developmental, psychological, and environmental factors, creating significant challenges for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

This webinar will provide an up-to-date, clinically focused overview of ADHD in children and adolescents, with particular attention to diagnostic complexity, differential diagnosis, and evidence-informed treatment approaches. The session will begin with a brief review of current diagnostic frameworks (DSM-5 and ICD-11) before examining the practical realities of assessment, including developmental considerations, the integration of collateral information from multiple sources, and the impact of common comorbidities.

A systematic review of differential diagnosis will follow, exploring conditions that may mimic, coexist with, or be mistaken for ADHD, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, autism spectrum disorder, learning disorders, intellectual disability, trauma-related presentations, sleep disorders, and substance use. The webinar will also address contemporary issues such as over- and under-diagnosis, sex and gender differences, and cultural factors that influence clinical presentation and recognition.

Building on this foundation, the session will examine recent advances in understanding ADHD neurobiology, developmental trajectories, and long-term outcomes. Evidence-based treatment approaches will then be reviewed, including pharmacological management with stimulant and non-stimulant medications, sequencing and switching strategies, titration and monitoring, cardiovascular and growth considerations, risk of misuse and diversion, and collaborative decision-making with young people and their families. Non-pharmacological interventions—including parent training, school-based supports, cognitive behavioural therapy, and executive-function interventions—will also be discussed, highlighting their role within comprehensive, multimodal treatment plans.