ADHD medication management: Current practices and research

Title : ADHD medication management: Current practices and research

Abstract:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) presents complex challenges in medication management that are critical for optimising patient outcomes. This presentation offers a comprehensive overview of current practices and research in ADHD medication management, focusing on treatment options, efficacy, and tolerability. We will explore licensed ADHD medications in the UK, including their various formulations and durations of action, and review the NICE 2018 guidelines that shape treatment protocols for different age groups and comorbid conditions.
The session will delve into efficacy data from a network meta-analysis of 133 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), providing insights into the comparative effectiveness of different ADHD medications. We will also assess tolerability based on a 12-week study, highlighting the differences between drugs and placebo. Key strategies for optimising medication through forced dose titration will be discussed, alongside findings from the QbTest feasibility study, which examines the use of computerised assessments in medication management.
Special considerations, including the impact of ADHD medications during pregnancy, management of hypertension, and risks of psychosis, will be addressed. Additionally, we will cover non-licensed medications and adjunctive treatments, long-term effects, and safety concerns associated with ADHD medication withdrawal.
The presentation will conclude with practical recommendations for clinicians, emphasising the importance of personalised treatment strategies and ongoing monitoring to ensure the best outcomes for patients with ADHD.

Biography:

Dr Hesham Y Elnazer is an experienced Neuropsychiatrist who has worked in various regional and national centres of excellence, including the National Centre for Brain Injury Rehabilitation, St. Andrew's Hospital, St. George's Hospital in London, and the University Hospital of Southampton. He is a holistic psychiatrist who utilizes biological, social, behavioural, and psychological models of therapy. Dr Elnazer holds numerous qualifications, including an MD from the University of Southampton, a Certificate of Clinical Psychopharmacology from the British Association for Psychopharmacology, and a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) from the General Medical Council. He is affiliated with the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the European Behavioural Pharmacology Society. Dr Elnazer has been actively involved in national and international projects and is a senior clinical lecturer at the Brighton and Sussex School of Medicine. He has authored a significant number of publications and reviews and has received several awards and recognitions for his work in developing the Royal College Membership Course, serving as a Royal College examiner and exam writer, and contributing to the development of the national training curriculum and the neuropsychiatry accreditation program.