The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Annual Meeting was held in Seattle, Washington from October 14-19, 2024. This prestigious event serves as the largest gathering of child and adolescent psychiatrists globally, providing a valuable opportunity to engage with and learn from peers and colleagues from over 60 countries. The AACAP 2024 Annual Meeting was a highlight of the year, showcasing cutting-edge research and advancements in the field.

During the conference, several posters were presented focusing on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), covering topics such as ADHD and comorbidities, pharmacological treatments, and more. Below, we have highlighted some key takeaways from these studies:

Mood Disorders in ADHD: Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment

  • The high rates of comorbidity between mood disorders and ADHD present challenges in managing the course, treatment, and outcome of the condition. In this presentation, we will delve into the complex relationship between ADHD and mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and emotional dysregulation. Additionally, we will explore the impact of these comorbidities on treatment strategies.
  • The intertwining of ADHD and mood disorders poses a significant hurdle in providing effective treatment. The existing evidence base for addressing these comorbid conditions is currently limited.
  • Summary

Pharmacologic Treatment for ADHD and Associated Symptoms in ASD

  • ADHD is commonly found in 22% to 83% of individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), depending on the specific study population and methodology utilized. Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity may suggest the presence of underlying ADHD, but can also be attributed to certain characteristics of ASD, such as sensory-seeking behavior. The overlapping symptoms of ASD and ADHD can make diagnosis challenging; however, the impact of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity on daily functioning underscores the importance of timely and appropriate treatment.
  • Effective management of ADHD in individuals with ASD requires a comprehensive approach that includes accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan. It is crucial to carefully consider the risks and benefits of pharmacologic therapy in order to optimize outcomes.
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Irritability and Aggression in Pediatric ADHD: Current Evidence and Treatment Options

  • Irritability and aggression are prevalent issues that often lead individuals to seek help from mental health professionals, as they can significantly impact daily functioning. These symptoms are frequently seen in individuals with ADHD, with up to half of youth with ADHD experiencing sustained irritability and recurrent aggression. The purpose of this presentation is to explore the current evidence surrounding the assessment and management of irritability and aggression in youth with ADHD. A multimodal treatment approach that combines pharmacological and psychosocial interventions has been shown to be the most effective strategy for addressing these symptoms in this population.
  • Optimizing CNS stimulant medications has been found to lead to significant improvements in irritability and aggression. In cases where additional treatment is necessary, atypical antipsychotics and mood stabilizers may provide added benefits. However, close monitoring of tolerability is essential to ensure a favorable risk/benefit profile.
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Misinformation Mayhem: The Effects of TikTok Content on ADHD Knowledge, Stigma, and Treatment-Seeking Intentions

  • The proliferation of ADHD-related content on TikTok presents a significant challenge, given the prevalence of misinformation surrounding ADHD on the platform and the potential risks associated with such misinformation. This experimental study was conducted with the objective of examining the impact of TikTok misinformation on college students’ knowledge, perceptions, and intentions regarding ADHD. The study hypothesized that exposure to misinformation would result in less accurate knowledge about ADHD, increased stigma surrounding the disorder, and reduced intentions to seek treatment. Additionally, it was hypothesized that content perceived as more credible would have a greater influence on ADHD knowledge, perceptions, and treatment-seeking intentions.
  • The findings of the study suggest that misinformation on TikTok indeed leads to a decrease in accurate knowledge about ADHD and may contribute to misguided treatment-seeking behaviors. It is imperative for clinicians to prioritize psychoeducation in their treatment approaches in order to counteract the effects of misinformation. Enhancing the dissemination of accurate information about ADHD is crucial in addressing this pressing public health issue.
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ADHD and COVID-19: Losses, Conflict, and Opportunities for Parent-Adolescent Communication

  • Current research has delved into the challenges faced by parents in caring for children with ADHD, as well as parental perceptions of their children’s experiences. However, there remains a gap in understanding the impact of the midpandemic period on adolescents with ADHD. This study aims to bridge this gap by conducting a qualitative exploration of the effects on adolescents with ADHD during this challenging time. Through in-depth interviews with a diverse group of adolescents with ADHD and their guardians, this study delved into various aspects including parent-child communication, family and social relationships, academic performance, emotional well-being, and ADHD symptoms. 
  • The findings of this study not only contribute to intervention development but also lay the groundwork for future research involving racially and socioeconomically diverse populations in the context of public health changes. As we move beyond the pandemic, further studies will be crucial in gaining a deeper understanding of the long-term effects and experiences of adolescents with ADHD.
  • Summary

Predictors of Social Engagement in Preschool Children at Risk for ADHD

  • Children diagnosed with ADHD often face challenges in social situations, which can increase their likelihood of developing depression, anxiety, and overall functional impairment. Child temperament, which encompasses differences in attention, emotion, and activity levels, may play a significant role in determining social outcomes for these children. This research aims to investigate whether specific temperament traits in preschool-aged children (such as surgency, negative affect, and effortful control) can predict variations in social skills and engagement, even when considering the presence of ADHD symptoms.
  • The findings suggest that temperament, particularly effortful control, can account for differences in social functioning among young children at risk for ADHD. This highlights the potential importance of targeting effortful control in interventions designed to enhance social success in this population.
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What’s New in ADHD, Disruptive Behavior Disorders, and Sports Psychology?

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and disruptive behavior disorders are commonly encountered by child and adolescent psychiatrists. This presentation offers an up-to-date overview of current data regarding the treatment of young individuals with these disorders, along with insights into managing student athletes.
  • The discussion will cover recent research findings on ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and sports-related concerns in children and adolescents.
  • Summary

Noninvasive Brain Stimulation in Children and Adolescents With ASD and ADHD: A Systematic Review

  • ASD and ADHD are conditions that not only impact children but also persist into adulthood. These conditions have sparked interest in the use of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) as a potential treatment option. The main objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of NIBS techniques in children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD and/or ADHD. Additionally, we aim to examine the specific types of NIBS used and their applications in these conditions. The results of the study indicate that NIBS may help alleviate the core symptoms of these disorders. However, it is important to note that there are rare side effects associated with NIBS, underscoring the importance of close monitoring and safety precautions. Challenges in this area include the need for in-person administration of NIBS, the duration of its effects, and the limited amount of data available, which calls for further research.
  • In conclusion, while NIBS shows promise as a potential treatment for ASD and ADHD, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety. This study sheds light on the potential benefits and challenges associated with using NIBS in children and adolescents with these conditions.
  • Summary

Thank you for joining us for this recap of AACAP 2024. We recommend visiting this link to explore the entirety of these posters as well as the remaining posters that were showcased during the event. We look forward to AACAP 2025 in Chicago, IL!

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