Final Thoughts on Management of ADHD

Theresa R. Cerulli, MD: We’re going to bring our discussion to a close. Thank you all for this rich and informative discussion. Before we conclude, I’d like to hear final thoughts from each of you. Dr Amann?

Birgit H. Amann, MD, PLLC: As Andy said, thank you, Mike, for sharing your personal story. Thank you too, Theresa, because you shared what it’s like being a parent of a child with ADHD [attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder]. We’re appreciative of that as well. We change lives, and I’m ever grateful to all the resources I have to do that. It’s very rewarding to treat this disorder when it’s diagnosed and treated properly. Thank you to everybody for having me join this discussion. I’ve enjoyed it greatly.

Theresa R. Cerulli, MD: Dr Cutler?

Andrew Cutler, MD: We’ve done a terrific job summarizing some of the issues. I feel so fortunate, like many of you, my colleagues. I’ve been working in this space for over 20 years, and [it’s so rewarding] to see the evolution of the technology and the different options, the understanding of the neuroscience of ADHD. It’s so rewarding to have all these different options.

I always joke that when you’ve seen 1 patient with ADHD, you’ve seen 1 patient with ADHD. We all know that. It’s so variable, the comorbidities and the daily activity. Having these tools and options allow us to do a much better job individualizing, personalizing, and getting better outcomes overall for our patients. I agree with Mike, it’s one of the more rewarding things that we treat in psychiatry. You can really make a difference. One thing that never gets old is helping a child and feeling like you can change the course of someone’s life and put them on a different track. That’s incredible. Mike used the railroad track analogy, which I love. That’s been very rewarding. We have a lot of challenges and a long way to go, but it’s been gratifying to see the progress we’ve made so far.

Theresa R. Cerulli, MD: Thanks, Andy. Dr Mao?

Alice Mao, MD: For me, as a clinician in both settings, the most positive aspect is seeing self-confidence improve and children who are frequently getting in trouble and getting sent to the principal now getting merit reports saying that they’re the student of the day, and they aren’t getting in trouble anymore. With adults, like my patient who’s an attorney, the joy of watching somebody achieve their goals because they were willing to resume treatment is one of the most gratifying things about being a clinician.

Thank you so much for asking me to be here. It’s an honor to be here with many of my colleagues who are as old as I am, who have also treated folks with ADHD through their life span and have had the pleasure of seeing all the new developments in ADHD emerge and make a difference in people’s lives.

Theresa R. Cerulli, MD: Finally, Dr Feld. Any last thoughts?

Michael Feld, MD: Twenty years ago, I used to sit in the room with you for different meetings with all the teachers, moderators, and people I looked up to. You guys brought me into the world of validating this stuff and realizing how incredible this stuff was. I’m truly honored to be on the panel with you guys because I’ve always respected you. I might have been a little obnoxious in this [discussion], or a little restless.

Theresa R. Cerulli, MD: Never.

Andrew Cutler, MD: Never.

Michael Feld, MD: Maybe I interrupted a few times. But my biggest message is that this is a blast, but I hope people watch this and buy into what we’re saying.

Andrew Cutler, MD: Yes.

Theresa R. Cerulli, MD: We understand. Thank you. Thank you again to our viewing audience. We hope you found this Peer Exchange discussion to be useful and informative. If you enjoyed the content, please subscribe to our e-newsletters to receive upcoming Peer Exchanges and other great content right in your in-box. Thanks, everyone.

Transcript edited for clarity