Outline for Continuing Education Course: Understanding Adult ADHD and Gender Differences in Presentation

Course Title:

Fundamentals of Adult ADHD and Gender Differences in Presentation

Duration:

3 Hours

Course Objectives:

  1. Understand the fundamental elements of Adult ADHD, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

  2. Identify the differences in presentation of ADHD in males and females.

  3. Explore the impact of ADHD on daily functioning and mental health.

  4. Discuss evidence-based strategies for assessment and intervention.

I. Introduction (15 minutes)

A. Overview of ADHD - Definition and prevalence of adult ADHD - Importance of awareness and education (Kessler et al., 2006) B. Purpose of the Course - Address gender differences in ADHD presentation - Enhance understanding of ADHD’s impact on adults

II. Understanding Adult ADHD (45 minutes)

A. Diagnostic Criteria - Review DSM-5 criteria for ADHD in adults (American Psychiatric Association, 2013) - Differences between child and adult presentations B. Common Symptoms - Inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity manifesting in adults (Barkley, 2015) C. Co-occurring Conditions - Anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders (Biederman et al., 2006)

III. Gender Differences in ADHD Presentation (1 hour)

A. Differences in Diagnosis - Prevalence rates among men and women (Galéra et al., 2010) - Societal expectations and stereotypes B. Symptom Manifestation - Hyperactive vs. inattentive presentations in males and females - Emotional dysregulation and internalizing behaviors in females (Quinn & Madhoo, 2014) C. Impacts of Gender Norms - How gender roles influence diagnosis and treatment (Miller, 2016)

IV. Impact of Adult ADHD on Daily Functioning (30 minutes)

A. Personal Life - Relationships, work performance, and self-esteem issues B. Mental Health Consequences - Increased risk of anxiety and depression (Faraone et al., 2015) C. Coping Mechanisms and Strategies - Identifying helpful strategies and lifestyle adjustments

V. Assessment and Intervention Strategies (30 minutes)

A. Assessment Tools - Standardized assessments and clinical interviews (Brown, 2013) B. Evidence-Based Interventions - Pharmacological treatments - Therapeutic approaches (CBT and coaching) (Safren et al., 2005) C. Special Considerations in Treatment for Males vs. Females - Tailoring approaches based on gender differences (Kooij et al., 2012)

VI. Q&A and Course Wrap-Up (15 minutes)

A. Open floor for questions B. Summary of key takeaways C. Resources for further study and support

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.

  • Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment. Guilford Publications.

  • Biederman, J., Mick, E., & Faraone, S. V. (2006). Age-dependent decline of symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Impact of remission definition and symptoms type. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 15(7), 395-401.

  • Brown, T. E. (2013). Attention deficit disorder: The unfocused mind in children and adults. Yale University Press.

  • Faraone, S. V., Biederman, J., & Mick, E. (2015). Increased rates of substance use disorders in adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A systematic review. Addiction, 110(3), 519-530.

  • Galéra, C., Sudre, G., Michel, G., et al. (2010). Gender differences in prevalence and correlates of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A population-based study. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 31(2), 99-109.

  • Kessler, R. C., Adler, L., Barkley, R., et al. (2006). The prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD in the United States: Results from the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(4), 716-723.

  • Kooij, J. J. S., Bejerot, S., Blackwell, A., et al. (2012). European consensus statement on ADHD. *