The following reflects new findings and outcomes in medical research as presented at major medical meetings and published peer-reviewed medical journals. In this section members can view reports from important congresses as well as summaries of some recently published journal articles. Please let us know if you have a particular area of interest you would like to see covered.

MEDICAL FRONTIERS - 163rd Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association

Treatment of ADHD Across the Lifespan: Effective Therapies in Children Demonstrate Benefits in Adolescents and Adults

New Orleans, Louisiana / May 22-26, 2010

New Orleans - Efforts to better characterize the dimensions of attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are also generating a more rational approach to symptom control. Once considered to be a developmental issue, potentially exacerbated by environmental triggers, ADHD is now well established as the product of a biochemical, typically genetically-induced, alteration in neurotransmitter signalling that is often a sustained and lifelong condition. In childhood, effective treatment is (...) Read more...

MEDICAL FRONTIERS - 29th Annual Conference of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Managing ADHD: From Proper Diagnosis to Improved Treatment Effect

Toronto, Ontario / November 12-14, 2009

Toronto - Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the major mental health problem affecting children today with symptoms frequently persisting into adulthood. In Canada, it is estimated that approximately 800,000 adults and 360,000 children have ADHD. North American guidelines recommend a long-acting stimulant as first-line therapy. However, maintaining treatment effect throughout the day is still problematic. Previously successfully applied to medications, the prodrug delivery (...) Read more...

MEDICAL FRONTIERS - 162nd Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association

Optimizing Treatment Duration for ADHD Patients

San Francisco, California / May 16-21, 2009

San Francisco - Pharmacotherapy with psychostimulants for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is well established as a safe and efficacious approach. However, it presents specific challenges in terms of the duration of action of the chosen medication. On one hand, the agent should ideally remain active for a sufficient time for the patient to derive therapeutic benefit for the full daily cycle of activities. This is important for children, who may need to complete homework (...) Read more...

55th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

Addressing Unmet Needs of Children with ADHD

Chicago, Illinois / October 28-November 2, 2008

Chicago - Psychostimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamines have been used effectively for decades as first-line treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Though efficacious and well tolerated, these medications are restricted by their inadequate duration of action, inconsistent delivery and potential for abuse. The first long-acting prodrug stimulant for treating ADHD in children aged 6 to 12 years in the US, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) may help address (...) Read more...

Based on an article in Pediatrics 2006;118:e704-10.

Improving Driving Performance in Patients with ADHD

February 2008

INTRODUCTION
There is a clear link between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and poor driving, including increased rates of accidents and traffic violations. Ideally, a patient with ADHD who has or wants to obtain a driving permit should be screened with a questionnaire or undergo practical assessment to predict poor performance. Stimulant medications, which unquestionably improve inattention, distractibility and impulsivity, can also successfully influence a patient’s ability (...) Read more...

Based on the following article: Williams et al. American Journal on Addictions 2004;13:381-9

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Assessing the Risks of Treatment Misuse and Abuse

INTRODUCTION
Relatively few patients take medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) despite the confirmed efficacy of pharmacotherapy. Low rates of medication use and adherence may emanate from concerns that it may be misused or abused, either by the patient or through diversion of drugs to other individuals; or that it may lead to illicit substance abuse. Improper use of medications can be addressed with a proper diagnosis, identification of patients likely to misuse (...) Read more...

160th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association

Long-term Improvements in Adolescents with ADHD

San Diego, California / May 19-24, 2007

San Diego - Because attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a long-term diagnosis, investigators sought to determine whether long-term treatment with an extended-release formulation would continue to be effective when used for several months or years, and whether the treatment would continue to be safe and well tolerated. Mixed amphetamine salts (MAS) have been confirmed as an effective treatment for ADHD and are often used to treat adolescents. New research from the open-label (...) Read more...

Based on the following articles: Behav Brain Res 1998;94:127-52; J Clin Psychiatry 2006;67(suppl 8):32-7

Combining Dopaminergic and Noradrenergic Strategies in ADHD Management

INTRODUCTION
Investigators have come to a better understanding of the complementary roles of dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, as they relate to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because these two neurotransmitters are implicated, it is important that treatment entail both dopaminergic and noradrenergic effects. Stimulants are effective in treating ADHD because they block the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine although to different extents, (...) Read more...

26th Annual Conference of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 2006

CADDRA Survey Results: Tracking ADHD Patient Response

Toronto, Ontario / November 12-14, 2006

Toronto - In August 2005, Health Canada reinstated the Notice of Compliance (NOC) for an extended-release mixed amphetamine salts (MAS XR) preparation. At the time of suspension in February 2005, physicians who were treating patients for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) expressed concern that patients who were responding well to treatment might be placed in jeopardy by having to switch to an alternative preparation. Following is a discussion on a survey undertaken by the (...) Read more...

Canadian Psychiatric Association 2006 Annual Conference

ADHD from Childhood to Adulthood: Clinical Viewpoints

Toronto, Ontario / November 9-12, 2006

Toronto - Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioural disorder that has a strong genetic component. Its most prominent features in children are hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour coupled with inattention. However, as the child grows older, the hyperactivity and impulsivity aspects of ADHD wane. If ADHD is not diagnosed early and treated appropriately, these individuals can suffer a lifetime of maladaptive social behaviour, failed marriages, poor or nonexistent (...) Read more...

159th Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric Association

Addressing Quality of Life in Pediatric and Adult ADHD Patient Populations

Toronto, Ontario / May 20-25, 2006

Toronto - The use of stimulants in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children is well-established and is the most widely used class of agents for this disorder. However, diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adult patients remain a challenge. A new trial was carried out using extended-release formulation of mixed amphetamine salts (MAS XR) that resulted in a great impact on these patients’ lives. Patient satisfaction with the once-daily MAS XR has been well (...) Read more...