ADHD in Focus: Neuroscience, Motivation, and Medication

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that interferes with behavior, motivation, relationships, learning and executive functioning. It has been primarily treated with medication for over 50 years. Current brain imaging techniques and research into the lifelong course of this disorder have allowed us to better understand and treat the illness.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1.  Differential diagnosis: Explain the difference between ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Dysregulation Disorder and Substance Misuse

2.  Explain ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder

3.  Discuss the neuroscience of ADHD

4.  Discuss why people with ADHD are not motivated to perform in the same way as neurotypical people

5.  Describe the role of medication in the treatment of ADHD

6.  Differentiate how various classes of ADHD drugs work in the brain

7.   Describe the side effects/effects of ADHD medication