Explore the differential diagnosis of adult ADHD and the comorbidities that commonly present alongside it. Dr. Mohamed Abdelghani shares practical considerations for recognising overlapping symptoms in clinical practice.

Chapter 1 of Bridging the GAP has the following learning objectives: 

1. To understand that ADHD is a lifespan condition persisting to adulthood
2. To acknowledge the global prevalence of adult ADHD
3. To recognise the diagnostic criteria for and clinical presentations of adult ADHD  
4. To improve recognition of adult ADHD, particularly in girls and women  
5. To be aware of appropriate referral pathways for adults with ADHD 

Chapter 2 of Bridging the GAP has the following learning objectives:

1. To grasp the potential aetiological and/or neurobiological bases for the variation observed in the presentation of ADHD between individuals and across the lifespan
2. To understand that genes and their interaction with the environment play a substantial role in causing ADHD and recognise environmental correlates with ADHD
3. To be aware of the structural, functional and chemical neurobiological correlates of adult ADHD

Chapter 3 of Bridging the GAP has the following learning objectives: 

1. To recognise the multi-faceted negative impact that untreated ADHD can have on adults  
2. To be aware of the positive aspects of ADHD reported by some patients  

Chapter 4 of Bridging the GAP has the following learning objectives: 

1. To understand the multiple stages of assessment prior to a formal diagnosis of adult ADHD
2. To be familiar with commonly used diagnostic criteria for adult ADHD
3. To be aware of key symptom assessment and/or executive function scales used in the assessment and diagnosis of ADHD in adults  
4. To understand how to support newly diagnosed individuals with ADHD and be aware of recommendations  for involving other healthcare professionals post-diagnosis

Chapter 5 of Bridging the GAP has the following learning objectives: 

1. To be aware of psychiatric comorbidities commonly associated with ADHD in adults  
2. To explore the hypothesised underlying neurobiological links between common psychiatric comorbidities and ADHD
3. To understand how to make a differential diagnosis of adult ADHD and other psychiatric disorders with overlapping symptoms  
4. To gain knowledge on how to integrate psychiatric comorbidities into an adult ADHD treatment plan 

Chapter 6 of Bridging the GAP has the following learning objectives: 

1. To be aware of the aims of ‘optimal management of ADHD’ in adults
2. To be able to define and characterise the ‘optimal management’ process (i.e., best practice)
3. To recognise the benefits of treating ADHD in adults in terms of reducing the negative impacts of  ADHD on adults 

Chapter 7 of Bridging the GAP has the following learning objectives: 

1. To be able to identify pharmacological interventions currently licensed for the treatment of adults with ADHD in the UK
2. To understand the clinical implications of the hypothesised modes of action of these pharmacological interventions, their mechanisms of delivery and durations of effect
3. To be aware of potential drug-drug interactions, understand practical tips on how to initiate treatment, and recognise very common and common side effects
4. To understand the places of these pharmacological treatments in clinical guidelines for the management of ADHD in adults 

Chapter 8 of Bridging the GAP has the following learning objectives: 

1. To understand the place for non-pharmacological approaches to the management of ADHD in adults  and be aware of clinical guidelines
2. To understand which non-pharmacological treatments may be useful for adults with ADHD  
3. To gain knowledge of evidence-based non-pharmacological treatment approaches to ADHD in adults