Guest: Mark Stein

How prevalent are comorbid psychiatric disorders in patients with ADHD, and how can physicians diagnose these comorbidities? Host Dr. Lenard Adler welcomes Dr. Mark Stein, professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago, to discuss comorbidities related to ADHD. In patients with psychiatric disorders occurring along with ADHD, which condition should be treated first?

Guest: Russell Barkley

Which characteristics of ADHD cause patients to be more susceptible to developing substance use disorder? Are certain substances, such as tobacco or alcohol, used more often than others by some ADHD patients? Dr. Russell Barkley, clinical professor of psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina and research professor of psychiatry at the State University of New York Upstate Medical School, joins host Dr. Vatsal Thakkar to discuss substance use in ADHD patients. Are even those patients taking stimulants under direction of their physician at risk for becoming addicted to their prescribed medications?

Guest: Richard Rubin

Although stimulant medications are often used to treat ADHD patients, there are patients for whom non-stimulants might also be a viable option. What are the advantages to each type of medication? Dr. Richard Rubin, clinical associate professor at the University of Vermont College of Medicine and adjunct associate professor of child psychiatry at Dartmouth Medical College, joins host Dr. Vatsal Thakkar to discuss medication options for treating patients with ADHD.

Guest: Randy Blakely

Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter in the cortex, essential to movement and activity control, as well as attention and executive function, tying this transporter to ADHD. How are scientists finding the genetic markers that may be transmitted to those with ADHD, and how does this help scientists understand more about the disorder? Dr. Randy Blakely, director of the Center for Molecular Neuroscience at the Silvio O. Conte Center for Neuroscience Research and the Alan D. Bass Professor of Pharmacology and Psychiatry at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, describes a genetic mutation that causes the dopamine transporter to run backwards, and how this discovery is helping scientists understand the mechanisms of ADHD. Dr. Vatsal Thakkar hosts.

Guest: Michael Manos

Despite our encouragement, the symptoms of ADHD can make it difficult for patients to adhere to their prescribed treatments. Dr. Michael Manos, head of the Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health at the Cleveland Clinic's Pediatric Institute, suggests strategies physicians can use to promote adherence in their ADHD patients. What role do the primary care physician and family play in diagnosing and treating patients with ADHD? Dr. Lenard Adler hosts.

Guest: Mary Solanto

How can cognitive behavioral therapy help alleviate symptoms of ADHD patients, as well as other symptoms of comorbid anxiety or depression in these patients? Is cognitive behavioral therapy more effective than other types of group or individual counseling for these patients? Dr. Mary Solanto, associate professor of psychiatry and director of the ADHD Center at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, describes some of the benefits ADHD patients may receive from this non-pharmacologic approach to treatment. Dr. Vatsal Thakkar hosts.

Guest: Matthew Tominey

How can educational accommodations be tailored to best fit ADHD patients? What role does an appropriate psychometric assessment of an ADHD patient play in determining the best educational accommodations for that patient? Do all institutions require similar documentation? Dr. Matthew Tominey, director of Disability Support Services at Seton Hall University, discusses how to best address the educational needs of ADHD patients. Dr. Lenard Adler hosts.