CME Credit

To obtain a CME credit:

1. Listen to Talking ADHD Program 2 – Adult ADHD and, if you wish, view the accompanying materials online
2. At the conclusion of the activity, go to www.cecentral.com/getcredit             
3. Enter the program code:
   MEN07039-02                
4. Follow the online instructions to obtain credit

NEEDS ASSESSMENT

Currently there are significant barriers to effective diagnosis and treatment of ADHD: the majority of physicians involved in managing the condition are under-educated as to diagnosis and treatment. A range of medications are available, but it can be difficult to determine the optimal and most acceptable treatment for individual patients, especially when adherence is such a problem. Therefore, education on prescribing, monitoring, and titrating these medications is imperative for appropriate treatment and better patient outcomes.

This program will address the use of transdermal patches for the delivery of the ADHD medication methylphenidate. This transdermal delivery system, introduced earlier this year, is the first of its kind to reach the market, and physicians contemplating its use need to have a full understanding of the purported benefits of this approach and issues surrounding management of the patch, including associated side effects.

GOAL

We now know that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) does not automatically disappear when children grow up; instead, up to 50% of patients with the condition continue to suffer significant symptoms throughout their lives. In addition, many patients are first diagnosed only after they have reached adulthood. However, it is estimated that a large number of adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed despite disruptive functional impairments – job difficulties and underachievement, displaying antisocial and/or addictive behaviors. Recent findings continue to expand the understanding of adult ADHD and associated comorbidities. Physicians need to be informed about adult ADHD to enable them to recognize the signs and symptoms of the condition, and provide sufferers with appropriate, safe treatment to improve their productivity and quality of life.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
Understand the implications and consequences of adult ADHD
Identify key symptoms in adults with ADHD
Recognize the contraindications to pharmacological treatments in adults
Recommend an appropriate treatment regimen, taking into account any comorbidities and compliance concerns

DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS