ADHD Through the Lifespan

Mental Health & Addictions, Primary Care / Family Medicine, Pediatrics & Youth Health

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurobehavioral condition that affects many patients throughout their lives and is associated with occupational underachievement, psychiatric comorbidity, and substance abuse. It also impacts people’s ability to manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, that depend on making behavioral changes. Primary care physicians are at the forefront of helping patients with ADHD manage symptoms and overcome functional impairments. Studies have identified gaps in recognizing and managing ADHD in primary care due to varied clinical presentations and developmental trajectories of ADHD, which are moderated by family environment, patient characteristics, and life events.

Working in partnership with the Edmonton Southside PCN, we co-developed and delivered a 3-part quality improvement workshop series on ADHD. 12 PCNs participated in our pan-PCN events, which considered these limitations and provided family physicians with the necessary information to improve diagnosis, screening, and treatment at different stages of life. The learning events were presented by Dr. Alice Leung, Dr. Alec Oskin, and Dr. Tania Oommen.

This webinar series provided information to assist family physicians in caring for patients living

with ADHD, through all stages of life.