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What is ADHD? -

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a developmental disorder with ongoing symptoms including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

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What do those skills normally help with? -

The aforementioned skills normally help people with planning, focusing their attention, remembering instructions, and multitasking.

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Who does it affect? -

ADHD was long believed only to impact children. However, it is now known that it can also affect adults.

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How many people worldwide have ADHD? -

Between 5% and 7% of children and 2.5% of adults in the world have ADHD. According to Harvard University's Center on the Developing Child, this stems from underdeveloped or impaired executive function and self-regulation skills.

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Stigma and misconceptions about ADHD -

Many incorrect misconceptions about ADHD are still prevalent today. One such misconception is that ADHD is a result of poor parenting.

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How is ADHD diagnosed? -

ADHD is diagnosed by a healthcare provider or doctor who determines the diagnosis by assessing whether symptoms are "persistent, pervasive, and inappropriate according to one’s developmental stage and whether they interfere with a patient’s daily life."

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Additional challenges -

The disorder can also be associated with mental or physical conditions, social issues, and a higher risk of premature death.

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New study -

Over a 12-week period, researchers found that stimulant medications and atomoxetine, an antidepressant, were more effective at reducing ADHD symptoms when compared to placebos.

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Information reviewed -

The study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 113 randomized controlled trials, both published and unpublished. It involved nearly 14,900 adults formally diagnosed with ADHD and compared various interventions to placebos or other controls in order to evaluate their effectiveness in managing symptoms.

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Results - Over 12 weeks, both clinicians and patients reported that only stimulants like lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate, and the antidepressant atomoxetine, showed greater symptom improvement compared to a placebo.

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Clinicians vs. patients -

However, within the study, there were some discrepancies between clinicians' and patients' views on nonpharmacological treatments for ADHD. 

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Explanation -

Clinicians were the primary reporters of improvements in the study when it came to treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive remediation, mindfulness, and psychoeducation.

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Medication efficacy and side effects -

The study found that due to adverse side effects, medications were more likely to be discontinued than placebos. However, for emotion dysregulation which is a common challenge for those with ADHD, stimulants and atomoxetine proved more beneficial.

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Which caused less side effects? -

Psychostimulants, the most widely used medications, cause fewer worrisome side effects.

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Limitations -

When it came to executive function or overall quality of life for those with ADHD, there were no treatments that showed a significant advantage over placebos. This leads researchers to believe that further studies are needed.

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Expert insights and knowledge gaps -

Experts emphasize that while current ADHD interventions are effective, there are "big gaps in our knowledge," still left to be explored. 

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Limitations of the study -

The study's limitations stem from gaps in the literature that was reviewed and insufficient research on certain factors, according to Dr. Margaret Sibley, a clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, who was not involved in the study.

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Duration limitations in ADHD treatment trials -

Most treatment trials analyzed lasted less than three months, making it difficult to assess the long-term benefits of ADHD treatments.

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Challenges in understanding long-term effectiveness -

Due to the short duration of the studies, there is a need for more extended trials to understand the long-term pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

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A broader focus on psychological outcomes -

It was suggested that if other outcomes were measured, namely self-worth, self-efficacy, and autonomy, then there might have been very different findings. Nonpharmacological treatments may show greater benefits when evaluated through a broader lens.

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Nonpharmacological treatments and core ADHD symptoms -

Nonpharmacological approaches like CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy, are not designed to reduce ADHD symptoms but instead, they are there to help people manage symptoms.

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Understanding transcranial direct current stimulation -

Transcranial direct current stimulation is a noninvasive, nonpharmacological technique that uses low-intensity electrical currents to target specific brain areas, providing symptom relief for some individuals with ADHD.

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Individual differences in treatment effectiveness -

Treatment varies among individuals and there isn't a "one size fits all" approach. ADHD management needs a personalized touch.

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Apprehension about medication -

Some individuals with ADHD are hesitant to take medicine to help or have concerns about the possible side effects. This shows that diverse treatment options are needed.

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The subjectivity of ADHD symptom assessment -

Since there is no objective test for ADHD, it is measured through a subjective lens meaning it can often be unreliable and inaccurate.

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Best practices for assessing adult ADHD -

For improved accuracy, a combination approach should be used where patients both self-report and have reports from loved ones, as well as clinicians' observations.

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Combining pharmacological and nonpharmacological care -

Those with ADHD should build their own "owner's manual" and develop a treatment that includes both pharmacological and nonpharmacological approaches. Always seek the professional advice of a doctor.

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The need for more long-term studies -

Experts say that there is a need for more long-term research regarding ADHD. This is said to be especially true for adults, who face unique challenges managing ADHD.

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Is ADHD treatable? -

While there is no cure for ADHD, it is highly treatable. A combination of medication, therapy (such as CBT), and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms effectively.

Sources: (CNN Health) (National Institute of Mental Health) (Psychiatry.org)

See also: Why are so many adults now being diagnosed with ADHD?

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