Fidgety Phil and head in the air Johnny: What is ADHD and why is it still so controversial?

Venue: Ian Potter Auditorium, Kenneth Myer Building

Presenters: Professor David Coghill

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has been recognised as an important cause of impairment for children and young people for many years for adults yet it remains very controversial within the public domain. Much of this controversy stems from the use of stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dexamfetamine.

Professor David Coghill will explore the evidence that supports the validity of ADHD as a concept and disorder and look at the course of ADHD and its impact functioning across the lifespan. I will also discuss the evidence that helps us understand some of the causes of ADHD and in particular the concept of heterogeneity that suggests that ADHD is in fact the common outcome of several causal different pathways.

Professor Coghill will discuss the current evidence as it relates to the treatment of ADHD both with medication and non-medication treatments and make some practical suggestions about the way forward.

Professor David Coghill is Financial Markets Foundation Chair of Developmental Mental Health Departments of Paediatrics and Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne.

from
https://events.unimelb.edu.au/events/7128-fidgety-phil-and-head-in-the-air-johnny-what-is