DeepSummary
The speaker, Dr. Timothy Wilens, discusses the treatment and management of complex ADHD cases, which involve ADHD combined with one or more coexisting conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, autism, or substance use disorders. He explains that in such cases, it is crucial to stabilize the more severe condition first, often using a combination of medication and psychotherapy, before effectively treating the ADHD symptoms.
Dr. Wilens covers various medication strategies, including stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamines), non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine), and their combinations. He highlights the importance of finding the right dosage, preparation type, and combination for each individual case based on comorbidities, age, and response. Specific treatment approaches are discussed for conditions like autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) coexisting with ADHD.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Wilens emphasizes the significance of properly managing ADHD and associated conditions, as untreated ADHD can lead to long-term negative outcomes. He also mentions the ongoing research and development of new medications and psychotherapies to improve the treatment of complex ADHD cases.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- ADHD is often accompanied by coexisting conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, autism, and substance use disorders, which require a comprehensive treatment approach.
- When treating complex ADHD cases with comorbidities, it is crucial to stabilize the more severe condition first, often using a combination of medication and psychotherapy, before effectively managing the ADHD symptoms.
- Various medication strategies are available for ADHD, including stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamines), non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine, clonidine), and their combinations, tailored to individual needs based on age, comorbidities, and response.
- Finding the right dosage, preparation type, and combination of medications is essential for effective ADHD management, especially in complex cases.
- Specific treatment approaches are discussed for conditions like autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) coexisting with ADHD.
- Untreated ADHD can lead to long-term negative outcomes, emphasizing the importance of proper management and treatment.
- Ongoing research and development aim to introduce new medications and psychotherapies to improve the treatment of complex ADHD cases.
- Monitoring and adjusting treatment plans based on individual responses and changes in comorbidities is crucial for effective long-term management of complex ADHD cases.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “There are multiple treatment strategies available for ADHD across the lifespan, the stimulants, the non stimulants, and often it's a dose issue or using the combination of a stimulant, non stimulant for refractory cases of ADHD and for comorbidity, often using that or other combinations.“ by Speaker A
- “And I want to welcome everybody from a very beautiful Boston, Massachusetts. So we're going to be talking about complex ADHD, and I'm going to add a little bit to this in terms of talking a little bit about refractory ADHD.“ by Speaker A
- “So in terms of sort of an overview to ADHD, I know most of you know this, most of you can give this part of the lecture, but I just want to remind everybody that it's considered, you know, within six to 9%. A very recent publication came out to slightly higher, but, you know, roughly six to 9% of the population and about four to 5% of adults.“ by Speaker A
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Episode Information
ADHD Experts Podcast
ADDitude
6/25/24
Timothy Wilens, M.D., discusses new medications approved for ADHD and strategies to manage hard-to-treat and complex ADHD (attention deficit disorder plus at least one comorbid condition), including the use of a stimulant and nonstimulant medication.
Treating Complex ADHD: More Resources
- Download: 2024 Scorecard of ADHD Treatments
- Sign Up: The Clinicians’ Guide to Treating Complex ADHD
- Read: Treatment Troubleshooting Guide for Patients
- Replay: "Substance Use Disorder and ADHD: Safe, Effective Treatment Options," with Dr. Timothy Wilens
Access the video and slides for podcast episode #508 here: https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/combination-therapy-comorbid-adhd-anxiety-depression/
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