Biography
Biography: Jyoti Bhagia
Abstract
ADHD is the most common Neuropsychiatric disorder, affecting 4-7 % of children. Diagnosis of ADHD is done through a clinical interview and the use of ADHD specific rating scales. Diagnosis is challenging in many cases, as presentation is different in different age groups, including in preschool, school age and adolescent children. ADHD also presents with symptoms in two settings, including home and school, and it is very important to address the disorder in both settings. With ADHD, there are many cases where symptoms are present in one setting and other disorders need to be ruled out first. Additionally, there are co-morbid disorders which may change the presentation of ADHD and may need to be addressed separately. For example, diagnosis of Oppositional Defiant Disorder is missed on many occasions and needs to be treated. Furthermore, it is important to tease out ADHD symptoms from learning disabilities and cognitive disorders in children presenting with academic concerns at school. In this talk, the method of using rating scales for ADHD diagnosis will be presented. Treatment of ADHD, particularly the algorithm used for such treatment, will also be discussed. With ADHD, there are many treatment challenges based on age of patient, co-morbidity and medical/neurological problems. When to use short versus long acting medications, and how to address treatment emergent side effects will be discussed.