ADHD is one of the most talked about and misunderstood conditions in healthcare.

In the first episode of our ADHD series, we start with the foundations.

What actually is ADHD? Why is it considered a disorder of executive function rather than simply a problem with attention? What roles do dopamine and noradrenaline play? How is ADHD diagnosed in Australia, and why is there no blood test or brain scan that can confirm it?

We’ll also explore how ADHD is treated, from psychoeducation and behavioural strategies through to stimulant and non-stimulant medications, before discussing the pharmacist’s role as part of the multidisciplinary team.

Whether you’re a pharmacist, pharmacy student or another clinician who works with medicines, this episode provides the framework for everything that follows in the series.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• What ADHD is and what it isn’t
• Why “attention deficit” is a misleading name
• Executive function and why it matters
• The roles of dopamine and noradrenaline
• How ADHD is diagnosed in Australia
• The broad approaches to treatment
• The main classes of ADHD medications
• The pharmacist’s role in supporting people with ADHD

This episode concludes with a reflective question to support your continuing professional development.

Next episode: Why might one person with ADHD be prescribed methylphenidate while another receives an amphetamine? We’ll explore how clinicians choose between the two major stimulant families and why the answer is much more nuanced than many people realise.