The Launch Ceremony for the Lancet Psychiatry Series on ADHD will be a prestigious event, featuring an opening speech by the editor of the esteemed Lancet Psychiatry journal and prominent officiating guests, including Dr. CHOI Yuk Lin, JP, Secretary for Education, and leading figures from the University of Hong Kong, who will mark the commencement of this groundbreaking series with a focus on advancing global understanding and treatment of ADHD.

The Keynote Session will serve as a pivotal discussion, setting the stage for the upcoming research and initiatives outlined in the Lancet Psychiatry Series on ADHD. As we prepare to embark on this crucial work, global experts will explore pressing issues such as the impact of ADHD in high-pressure academic settings, the challenges posed by socioeconomic disparities, the importance of cultural sensitivity in treatment, and the transformative power of advocacy and lived experience. These discussions will not only inform the series’ future research directions but also inspire actionable strategies for addressing ADHD on a global scale.

In academic environments that are increasingly competitive and demanding, children and adolescents with ADHD face unique challenges. This session will explore the burden of ADHD within such settings, focusing on the coping mechanisms employed by students, families, and educators. Dr. Tso will share insights from Hong Kong’s education system, shedding light on the pressures of academic performance and the strategies that can be employed to support ADHD students in excelling despite these challenges.

ADHD does not occur in a vacuum; its impact is magnified by the socioeconomic conditions surrounding those affected. In this session, Dr. Oshodi will delve into how economic disadvantages shape the experience of ADHD in children and adolescents, particularly in low-income countries. The discussion will focus on the barriers to diagnosis and treatment, the societal stigma, and the innovative solutions being developed to bridge these gaps and provide equitable care.

ADHD manifests differently across cultures, influenced by varying social norms, educational practices, and healthcare systems. Dr. Tripp will discuss the importance of cultural sensitivity in diagnosing and treating ADHD, using examples from her work in Japan and other regions. This session will highlight the critical need for culturally informed approaches to ADHD care, ensuring that treatment plans are relevant and effective across diverse populations.

The voice of lived experience is a powerful tool for change. In this keynote, Andrea Bilbow will share her journey as a parent and advocate, highlighting how personal experiences with ADHD have driven her work in reshaping public perception and influencing policy. This session will emphasise the role of advocacy in breaking down stigma, enhancing awareness, and fostering supportive environments for those with ADHD, ultimately driving global change.

The parallel workshop session is designed to provide attendees with an in-depth exploration of various critical aspects of ADHD management and care. Review the available workshops below and be sure to purchase tickets for the ones you wish to attend.

In the ever-evolving field of ADHD treatment, staying abreast of the latest developments in pharmacological management is crucial. This workshop, led by renowned experts Professors David Coghill and Luis Augusto Rohde, will provide an in-depth review of the newly updated prescribing manual for ADHD. Participants will gain insights into the intricacies of dose titration, exploring the challenges and successes in finding the optimal balance for each patient. The session will also cover best practices in medication management, equipping participants with the knowledge needed to tailor treatment plans that enhance patient outcomes. This workshop is an essential opportunity for healthcare professionals to refine their prescribing skills and stay at the forefront of ADHD treatment.

Non-profit organisations (NGOs) play a crucial role in bridging the gap between medical services and community support for individuals with ADHD. In the first part of the workshop, “Bridging the gap: triumphs and trials in ADHD care in underprivileged communities”, Dr. Renata Schoeman will discuss strategies for improving access to ADHD care, drawing on her experience with the Goldilocks and The Bear Foundation. Dr. Adrian Cheng/ Mr. Alex Mo will complement this by sharing his insights on how philanthropy and corporate social responsibility initiatives, such as those through his WEMP charity, can support mental health research and expand the reach of non-profits in under-resourced communities. Participants will gain practical guidance on how NGOs can collaborate with healthcare providers, raise awareness, and advocate for those affected by ADHD. This session is ideal for individuals involved in the non-profit sector or those interested in making a meaningful impact in ADHD care through advocacy and innovation.

As the understanding of ADHD expands, so does the recognition of the importance of non-pharmacological interventions in its management. This workshop will offer insights generated from years of experience of community-based non-pharmacological interventions for children with ADHD and their families. Facilitated by local experts, including educational psychologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist and speech therapist, alongside international specialists, the session will focus on equipping social workers, psychologists, educators, and other professionals with practical approaches to support individuals with ADHD. Participants will learn how to integrate these interventions into their practice, enhancing the overall effectiveness of ADHD treatment and improving patient outcomes.

ADHD is traditionally conceptualised as a neurodevelopmental disorder implying an onset in infancy or early childhood and a stable course with two main trajectories: persistence from childhood to adulthood or decrease of symptoms and impairment possible related to brain maturation. In this workshop, Prof. Luis A. Rohde, a renowned expert in ADHD, will explore recent new data challenging these key notions about ADHD trajectory, as well as explore ways of predicting ADHD persistence from childhood to adulthood bring the disorder to the context of personalised medicine. Finally, some key concepts on diagnosing and treating adult ADHD will be discussed. Thus, this session is ideal for clinicians, social workers, educators, and patients seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills on trajectories of ADHD and its manifestations in adulthood and how to address them.

Schools play a crucial role in the development and well-being of children with ADHD, yet they often face challenges in providing effective support. In this workshop, chaired by Prof. Gail Tripp, a distinguished expert in ADHD and child psychology, participants will explore evidence-based strategies for fostering a supportive learning environment for students with ADHD. The session will focus on practical approaches for educators, educational psychologists, and support staff, covering behaviour management techniques, personalised learning plans, and collaboration with parents. Emphasising the role of educational psychologists, the workshop will provide tools and insights to help schools better accommodate and support students with ADHD, ensuring their academic and social success. This session is ideal for educators, school administrators, and mental health professionals committed to enhancing ADHD care in educational settings.

ADHD is increasingly recognized as a life-long illness. Coupled with the rising prevalence and social awareness, there are increased unmet needs in patients with ADHD that are to be addressed. In this workshop we would like to share our clinical experience at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Team in Queen Mary Hospital, a multidisciplinary tertiary centre that is focused on treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders and associated comorbidities. Over the years we have composed various manuals aimed at providing structured and multidisciplinary training for children and adolescents with ADHD, with the objectives to improve their social integration, executive functions and behaviour. We also collaborate with Education Bureau and Social Welfare Department in forming the Student Mental Health Support Scheme, where a combined force of medical professions, teachers and social workers provide early identification of students with clinical and subclinical symptoms, while providing school-based intervention for those identified.

Over the past decade, we have established the first Transition Clinic and Adult ASD and ADHD clinic in Hong Kong. Aiming to address the unmet needs faced by patients entering adulthood and transiting from school to vocation, we provide service to patients who are transiting out from the Child and Adolescent Clinic as well as adult patients with late onset impairments. We hope by sharing the experience from our services can stimulate exchange in ideas and new insights to provide more comprehensive treatment for our patients across their lifelong journey.