Full Course Description

Advanced ADHD Management: Diagnostic Strategies, Cutting-Edge Prescribing & Personalized Patient Plans

Unlock the tools to transform your ADHD care across all age groups! This comprehensive one-day training will equip you with the latest in diagnostic strategies, cutting-edge pharmacological treatments, and personalized management techniques for patients from childhood through adulthood. You’ll gain practical insights into addressing co-occurring conditions, improving patient outcomes, and streamlining your practice.
Learn from expert Daniel E. Wesemann, DNP, MSW, RN, APRN, PMHNP-BC. Dr. Weseman shares from his extensive experience in psychiatric and mental health practice, research focused on ADHD identification and treatment and holds the title of president of the International Society of Psychiatric Nurses.

What you can expect to incorporate into practice:

ADHD symptoms and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
Unique challenges across childhood, adolescence & adulthood
Screen and manage co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression
ADHD diagnosis at different life stages
Practical treatment plans: Medication, behavioral therapies & lifestyle
Family and caregiver roles at various stages of the lifespan
Learn effective academic, workplace, and social strategies for success
Longitudinal studies on ADHD outcomes
Gain expert insights from real-life case studies

Elevate your expertise and confidently tackle ADHD at every stage of life—because your patients deserve nothing less!

Program Information

Objectives

Identify the key symptoms and diagnostic criteria of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults, according to DSM-5 TR guidelines.
Analyze the impact of ADHD on cognitive, emotional, and social development across different stages of life.
Evaluate various treatment approaches, including medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle interventions, for managing ADHD in different age groups.
Assess the challenges and co-occurring conditions commonly associated with ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities, across the lifespan.
Discuss the role of family, educators, and healthcare professionals in supporting individuals with ADHD from childhood through adulthood.
Develop strategies for promoting academic, occupational, and social success in individuals with ADHD at different life stages.

Outline

ADHD Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria

ADHD diagnostic criteria (DSM-5 TR)
Differences in symptom presentation across age groups
Diagnostic challenges and considerations in adults
Case studies: ADHD diagnosis at different life stages

ADHD and Development Across the Lifespan

ADHD and early childhood development
Academic and social challenges during adolescence
ADHD’s effect on adult relationships, careers, and daily functioning
Longitudinal studies on ADHD outcomes

Treatment Approaches for ADHD

Pharmacological treatments (stimulants, nonstimulants)
Behavioral and cognitive therapies tailored to different life stages
Integrative and lifestyle interventions (nutrition, exercise, mindfulness)
Treatment plans: Case studies for children, adolescents, and adults

Co-Occurring Conditions and ADHD

ADHD and its overlap with anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities
Screening and managing comorbidities
Age-related differences in co-occurrence and treatment strategies
Case examples of ADHD management with co-occurring conditions

Support Systems and ADHD Management

Family and caregiver roles at different life stages
Educational accommodations and individualized education plans (IEPs)
Healthcare collaboration and interdisciplinary care
Advocacy and community resources for ongoing support

Strategies for Success with ADHD

Academic success for kids: Study habits, time management, and executive function support
Adult workplace strategies: Time management, task prioritization, and organizational skills
Enhancing social skills and relationship-building across life stages
Success stories: Overcoming ADHD challenges at different ages

Target Audience

Nurse Practitioners
Physician Assistants
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physicians
Nurses

Copyright : 05/22/2025

Psychopharmacology of ADHD

Stephanie Shafer, MSN, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, will deliver an advanced and updated review of stimulant (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) and non-stimulant (e.g., atomoxetine, guanfacine) medications, with a particular focus on understanding the mechanisms of action, how they differ, and how one might synergistically compliment another. Learn how these medications affect the brain’s chemistry and function to alleviate ADHD symptoms, allowing for a deeper appreciation of their therapeutic potential. Central to the discussion will be the identification of presenting symptomatology and the evaluating of treatment outcomes. This focus will provide the knowledge and skills needed to adeptly navigate the evolving landscape of ADHD management.

By the talk’s conclusion, you will possess a robust understanding of ADHD’s neurobiological basis, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanisms by which available medications act. Deliver personalizing care for patients with ADHD to enhance their quality of life and daily functioning to the future.

Program Information

Objectives

Explain the key neurobiological factors involved in ADHD, including neurotransmitter systems, brain regions implicated, and how they contribute to the symptoms of the disorder.
Evaluate the pharmacological treatments available for ADHD, including stimulant medications (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines) and non-stimulant mediations (e.g., atomoxetine, guanfacine).
Differentiate ADHD from common differentials and tailor pharmacotherapy to individual patients.
Analyze the effectiveness of ADHD medications, while also considering potential side effects.

Outline

Neurobiology of ADHD

Neurotransmitter systems
Brain regions implicated
Contribution to symptoms

Examine Pharmacological Treatment Options

Stimulant medications
- Methylphenidate
- Amphetamines
Non-stimulant medications
- Atomoxetine
- Guanfacine, etc.
Mechanisms of action
Efficacy and effectiveness
Differences and combinations

Individualized Treatment Strategies

Differential diagnosis
- Distinguish ADHD from common differentials
- Consideration of comorbid psychiatric conditions
Tailoring pharmacotherapy
- Customize treatment plans based on individual patient profiles
- Adjust dosage and medication type as needed
Address overlapping symptomatology
- Strategies to manage symptoms that overlap with other disorders
- Coordinate care with other healthcare providers

Evaluate Treatment Outcomes & Side Effects

Effectiveness of Medications
- Reduction of ADHD symptoms
- Improvement in daily functioning
- Cognitive and emotional beliefs
Side Effects
- Common side effects of ADHD medications
- Strategies to minimize side effects

Copyright : 03/21/2024

Adult ADHD Medications & The Recent Increase in Prevalence

There has been a lot of buzz about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the media lately. The number of adults seeking ADHD diagnosis and treatment has rapidly increased in the past 3 years and as a result, we now have a shortage of Adderall. However, it remains to be estimated that 80% of adults with ADHD are UNDIAGNOSED.

In this session for the Modern Clinician, you’ll understand:

Implicit Bias – are you harboring negative feelings about diagnosing and treating Adult ADHD, or whether Adult ADHD is real?
Neurobiology of ADHD – a brief and digestible, yet thorough update on our current understanding of pathophysiology of ADHD
Safely treating attention deficit symptoms with stimulants and non-stimulants
Medication Management: how to choose, start, taper, and monitor effectiveness

Program Information

Objectives

Analyze the prevalence, pathophysiology, and manifestations of Adult ADHD.
Anticipate the deficits in, and impacts of, Adult ADHD.
Acknowledge any implicit bias and develop a position of compassion and empathy.
Express confidence that you can diagnose and manage Adult ADHD.

Outline

Neuroanatomy and pathophysiology

The cortex, limbic system, and brain stem structures and functions
Genetics of ADHD and brain structures involved
Dopamine pathway
Norepinephrine pathway
Brain wave patterns – regulating alertness

Executive Function (EF)

Disorder of doing what you know
Elements of EF
Evolution of and innate development of EF
Deficits result in Impairments = Executive Dysfunction
Executive Dysfunction is situationally dependent
heterogeneity of impairments/symptoms

Assessment

DSM-V
A clinicians’ duty
Diagnosis rates, average ages and impacts of late diagnosis
Differential diagnosis and Diagnostic process
- Rating scales
- Getting input from collaterals
- tips for differentiating diagnosis

Treatment

Guiding principles of treatment
Stimulants deep dive
- Amphetamine
- Methylphenidate
Non-stimulants deep dive
- Alpha agonists
- Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
- Off-label medications
Benefits are addictive, combinations limited by side effects
- A handy prescribing reference chart to use in practice
Micronutrients
Lifestyle and therapeutic interventions
- Guiding principles and evidence-based recommendations
Comorbidities
- MDD and treatment options
- GAD and treatment options
- ASD and treatment options

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Physicians
Physician Assistants

Copyright : 04/21/2023

Pediatric Pharmacology

The diagnosis and management of ADHD in children and youth has been particularly challenging for primary care clinicians. Mental health clinicians are not a solution for many families due to financial barriers, demographic barriers, and scarcity. This results in increased demand and expectation or the primary care providers to diagnose, treat and manage ADHD.

Program Information

Objectives

Determine the relevant epidemiology of ADD/ADHD.
Formulate a diagnosis ADD/ADHD based off the DSM-5 criteria.
Optimize appropriate nonpharmacological treatment options.
Analyze the pharmacological properties of amphetamine salts dosage forms.
Select appropriate medications based off the most up to date literature and pharmacogenomics.

Outline

ADHD Epidemiology

Prevalence
Risk Factors

Diagnosis

DSM-5 Criteria
Inattention
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity

Treatment Recommendations

Behavior Management – Parent
Classroom Interventions
Medications
Treatment Plan

Medications

Stimulants
- First line... methylphenidate and amphetamine
- Second line
Medication Trials
Non-Stimulants

Target Audience

Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
Physician Assistants
Physicians

Copyright : 05/17/2023

Reframing ADHD

Some of the most powerful ways of working with neurodiverse clients are unfortunately the most overlooked. For ADHD therapy to be effective, therapists must look beyond simple skills training or behavioral changes on the part of the client. Identifying meaningful environmental changes in relationships, the workplace, and the classroom provide critical keys to successful outcomes. When applied, they can truly help people struggling with ADHD flourish, affirming the many gifts that often come with neurodiversity. In this session, you’ll discover:

Advanced approaches to support clients with ADHD that go beyond simple behavioral changes
How to know which environmental, workplace, and classroom accommodations will result in success and well-being for clients
How to reduce shame and enhance self-worth with ADHD clients from a place of full appreciation and affirmation of their unique skills and abilities

Program Information

Objectives

Distinguish pathologizing from neutral language for discussing and documenting ADHD features.
Develop both individual and environmental supports for individuals with ADD/ADHD.
Integrate an appreciation and affirmation of neurodivergence in your work with the ADD/ADHD client.
Theorize on the value of the term “neurodiversity” and “neurodivergence” in clinical practice.

Outline

Using caution with clinical and diagnostic language around ADHD
How we talk about ADHD – a gift or a disorder?
Collaborating rather than teaching
Clarifying client-focused treatment goals around behavior change
Over-looked ways to support an ADHD client that don’t involve behavior change
Exploring our clients’ lived experience of brain differences
Support and interventions for task avoidance, procrastination, and distractibility

Target Audience

Counselors
Social Workers
Psychologists
Marriage & Family Therapists
Addiction Counselors
Physicians
Physician Assistants
Nurses
Nurse Practitioners
Other Mental Health Professionals

ADHD 2.0

For all the gains we've made in understanding and treating ADHD, we still get one core component wrong: focusing on deficits rather than strengths.

In ADHD 2.0, world-renowned author Edward M. Hallowell, MD, draws on the latest science to provide an arsenal of new strategies and lifestyle hacks to help your clients thrive with ADHD, including how to:

Look at ADHD as a spectrum of traits
Enhance the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit inherent in the ADHD mind
Embrace the innate neurological tendencies as an antidote to negative thinking

As inspiring as it is practical, you will leave with the confidence to help your ADHD clients tap into the power of this mercurial condition and find the key that unlocks their potential!

Program Information

Objectives

Apply a non-medication technique based on an understanding of connectomes and neural networks on how to limit the excessive brooding and ruminating that so plagues people with ADHD.
Propose strength-based strategies to counter deficit-focused approaches associated with ADHD.

Outline

ADHD: A Spectrum of Traits
The Healing Power of Connection
Understanding the Demon of the Mind

Target Audience

Addiction Professionals
Licensed Clinical/Mental Health Counselors
Marriage & Family Therapists
Nurses
Occupational Therapists
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Psychologists
School Administrators
Social Workers
Speech-Language Pathologists
Teachers/School-Based Personnel

ADHD in Women: Hormonal Influences Across the Lifespan

Join Dr. Jane Indergaard, expert in ADHD and women (with a focus on hormones) where she’ll equip you with actionable strategies to improve care for women and girls with ADHD and stay ahead in the evolving research and treatment landscape.

Program Information

Objectives

Identify the implications of divergent patterns of ADHD in girls and women on treatment.
Determine the impact of hormonal influences on ADHD symptom expression.
Choose strategies for improved management of symptoms for women with ADHD in menopause.

Outline

ADHD in Girls & Women: The Problem

Sex Disparity in ADHD – Overview of facts contributing to referral and diagnostic bias
Symptom Presentation in Girls & Women – Differences in symptom expression leading to missed diagnoses
Hiding in Plain Sight – Masking in females, its emotional toll, and impact on delayed diagnosis
Comorbidity in Females – Common comorbidities contributing to ADHD misdiagnosis and underdiagnosis
Consequences of Delayed Diagnosis – A preventable public health issue

Etiology of Divergent ADHD Patterns in females: Possible Mechanisms Involved

Gonadal Hormone Effects on Brain Development – Gender differences in fetal brain development and their role in ADHD onset and symptom variation
Hormonal Influence on Brain and Behavior – Estrogen’s impact on brain function and attentional systems and its relevance to ADHD

Hormone Fluctuations and ADHD: Research & Clinical Findings

Prepuberty: Early puberty's link to riskier ADHD behaviors
Adolescence/Young Adulthood: Menstrual cycle impact on ADHD symptoms; management strategies
Pregnancy/Peripartum: Obstetric risks, stimulant safety, and treatment recommendations
Postpartum: Executive function challenges, hormonal shifts, and mood disorder risks in ADHD
Menopause: Hormonal drops worsening ADHD symptoms; management approaches.
Old Age: ADHD in older adults, screening, and diagnosis considerations
Evidence Limitations – Limited research, case studies, emerging evidence for life stages

Emerging Research on Estrogen’s Role in ADHD:

Part of a Larger System

Pharmacotherapy and Gender:

Medication efficacy for women from a recent systematic review

Recommendations for Improved Clinical Practice and Future Research

Target Audience

Medical Providers
Nurses/ Nurse Practitioners
Licensed Clinical/Mental Health Counselors
Psychologists
Social Workers
Marriage & Family Therapists
Occupational Therapists
Teachers/School-Based Personnel
Speech-language Pathologists