Welcome to
PHARMACEUTICAL
CARE FOR ADHD
Pharmaceutical care for ADHD is a collaboration of resources, tools & facts to support in building advocacy and awareness of treating misdiagnosed lifelong Adult Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or
hyperactivity/impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development (American Psychiatric Association. Attention-deficit and disruptive behavior disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2013).
DSM-V Criteria
To be diagnosed with Adult ADHD the following criteria must be met;
At least 5 symptoms of inattention and/or 5 symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, which have been present for a period longer than 6 months, to a degree that is inconsistent with the expected developmental level and negatively impacts social and academic/occupational activities.
Several symptoms (inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive) were present before the age of 12 years.
There is clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with or reduce the quality of social, academic, or occupational functioning.
Symptoms do not occur exclusively during the course of schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder, and are not better explained by another mental disorder (eg, mood disorder, anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder, personality disorder, substance intoxication, or withdrawal).
Among other criteria that must be met for a diagnosis of ADHD, several symptoms (inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive) must be present in 2 or more settings (eg, at home, school, or work; with friends or relatives; in other activities).
Symptoms of Inattention
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Makes careless mistakes/lacks attention to detail
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Difficulty sustaining attention
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Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
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Fails to follow through on tasks and instructions
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Exhibits poor organization
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Avoids/dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
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Loses things necessary for tasks/activities
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Easily distracted (including unrelated thoughts)
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Is forgetful in daily activities
Symptoms
of Impulsivity/ Hyperactivity
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Fidgets with or taps hands or feet, squirms in seat
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Leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
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Experiences feelings of restlessness
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Has difficulty engaging in quiet, leisurely activities
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Is “on-the-go” or acts as if “driven by a motor”
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Talks excessively
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Blurts out answers
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Has difficulty waiting their turn
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Interrupts or intrudes on others
Our Values
Our Mission
The ADHD Centre of Excellence will contribute to improving the lives of all people and their families affected by ADHD during their lifespan through screening, diagnosis, treatment, management, advocacy, support, education, training & counselling.
Our
Vision
There has been very little research in the area of ADHD in Australia. To date - for adult ADHD, there is very large proportion of psychiatrists who do not appreciate its clinical importance. One of the key aims is to achieve a consensus statement of all the colleges so that they are all aligned and understand there is a national legislated position and recommendation enacted by law for it to be recognised and taken in to consideration as key co- morbidity.
Also to enact a universal national standard of teaching and training where all medical and allied health disciplines have the exact content and policy outcomes but can also be slightly tweaked to accommodate differences in faculty disciplines.
We will support ADHD children and their families and teachers with navigating the path of ADHD. We will provide parent coaching for ADHD children by educating them about ADHD, behaviour guidance strategies for ADHD and other co-existing problems. We will dispel myths and provide children, families and the community with correct information and appropriates education to support ADHD children.
"Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the adult population is frequently associated with comorbid psychiatric diseases that complicate its recognition, diagnosis and management. The prevalence of ADHD in the general adult population is 2.5% and it is associated with substantial personal and individual burden. The most frequent comorbid psychopathologies include mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders"
- Katzman, M. A., Bilkey, T. S., Chokka, P. R., Fallu, A., & Klassen, L. J. (2017). Adult ADHD and comorbid disorders: clinical implications of a dimensional approach. BMC psychiatry, 17(1), 302. doi:10.1186/s12888-017-1463-3
Self Report Scale Questionnaires
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