Published: Journal of the Malta College of Pharmacy Practice (2017) 23: 17-24
Authors: Dr. Nigel Camilleri, Dr. Andrea Saliba, Dr. Nadine Calleja Stafrace
Educational Aims:
- The most up to date research on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), in a succinct complete way
- A description of a multimodal assessment for ADHD
- A complete description of treatment methodologies available for people with ADHD
- To answer questions often asked of ADHD and its treatment
Abstract:
This article is a research summary of published and non-published work pertaining to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). ADHD is one of the most common child mental health disorders and is under-recognised in children (5.29%) and adults (2.5%). ADHD is highly heritable with a multifactorial pattern of inheritance. Siblings and parents of a child with ADHD are 4 to 5 times more likely to have ADHD. Methylphenidate is the first line pharmacological treatment with a 95% response rate. All clinicians working in mental health should be aware of this disorder, comfortable diagnosing and treating people with ADHD. Young people with untreated ADHD are 5 times more likely to develop antisocial behaviour, substance abuse and other co morbid psychiatric disorders.