Understanding ADHD: Current Research and Practice

Ensure your knowledge of ADHD is up to date by exploring the latest research.

What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? What are the symptoms of ADHD? How is ADHD diagnosed? Get answers with this course that features fundamental information about ADHD, as well as the latest ADHD research.

Through the course you will learn about ADHD as a developmental disorder, considering controversies related to the condition. You will learn about the diagnosis and best practice treatment of ADHD as you build your empathy towards people with ADHD. You will also learn practical strategies to help the educational and personal development of people with ADHD.

• What ADHD is, and the controversies raised by the concept of ADHD
• Latest neuroscientific and psychiatric research based on the mechanisms, symptoms and impairments of ADHD
• ADHD as a developmental disorder throughout the lifespan: genes, environments (protective and risk factors)
• Latest neuroscientific and psychiatric research based on the various means of screening and assessing for child ADHD
• Latest neuroscientific and psychiatric research based on the mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD
• Understanding best practice in treatment for ADHD Mechanisms and efficacy of psychosocial treatments, pharmacological treatments supporting positive outcomes for those with ADHD and their families

• Discuss the prevalence and impact of ADHD in children, adolescents and adults.
• Discuss ADHD as a disorder and how it differs from normal behaviour.
• Be able to critically assess key factors in the conceptualisation and understanding of the disorder.
• Discuss the core challenges faced by those with ADHD, their families and relevant professionals.
• Discuss wider issues related to ADHD, such as labelling and stigma from multiple perspectives.
• Demonstrate an empathic understanding of the experiences of people living with ADHD.
• Describe core principles, tools and techniques used in the screening and diagnosis of ADHD, and the factors that may impact on the accuracy of a diagnosis.
• Explain how ADHD is distinguished from, and relates to, other common neurodevelopmental, behavioural and mental health problems.
• Reflect upon and discuss current evidence for the genetic and environmental vulnerability for ADHD, and associated neurological mechanisms for ADHD.
• Critically discuss the current evidence base for both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions for ADHD.
• Evaluate the rationale, mechanism, and limitations of the primary medical and psychosocial treatments for ADHD.
• Evaluate practical strategies to support the educational and personal development of those living with ADHD.
• Be able to identify resources and relevant support services for those living with ADHD.
• Evaluate the biological and environmental risk factors for ADHD.

This course is for people with ADHD and anyone working with children and adults with ADHD. This includes parents and close family members, teachers, and educational (learning disability) assessors in schools and higher education and occupational therapists.

This course runs multiple times each year. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Please click the Apply button to find out when the next run will start.