Australian Prescriber Podcast E208 - Pharmacological management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults
Feb 16, 2026
Shuichi Suetani, psychiatrist and researcher focused on adult ADHD assessment and management. He explores how adult ADHD differs from childhood presentations. They cover medication classes and formulations, cardiovascular and psychiatric safety checks. Practical guidance on monitoring, sequencing treatments and setting realistic patient expectations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Adult ADHD Demand Outpaced Clinician Training
- ADHD in adults has surged in clinical practice over recent years; many clinicians lack formal training despite rising demand.
- Shuichi Suetani reports that in five years ADHD became a majority focus and training often lagged behind clinical need.
Always Look Beyond ADHD Diagnosis
- ADHD assessment must rule out other causes because many psychiatric and medical conditions share inattention symptoms.
- Shuichi Suetani notes ~80% of adults with ADHD have comorbid psychiatric conditions, so assume additional problems exist and assess broadly.
Adult ADHD Is Shaped By Environment And Life Stage
- Adult ADHD differs from childhood ADHD because adults often develop coping strategies and environmental adjustments that mask or change impairment.
- Shuichi Suetani explains functional impairment varies when people leave structured settings like school into different adult environments.