David W. Goodman, MD: Silver Linings in ADHD

Routine is essential for patients with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Every individual, both adolescents and adults, a set schedule along with treatment can be beneficial in managing the symptoms associated with ADHD.

However, for many the routine and schedule was completely disrupted when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic hit.

The normal school or workday became an 8 hour virtual experience, while parents were forced to pick up new roles as the entire family was stuck home for the majority of the day.

While challenging, there are ways for these patients to cope with the circumstances.

In an interview with HCPLive®, David W. Goodman, MD, FAPA, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, said despite the obvious challenges the pandemic has caused, he is hopeful some ADHD were able to adapt to a new routine that did not exacerbate some of the symptoms associated with the disorder.

He also said the need to juggle new commitments during the pandemic could leave some ADHD patients with better organizational skills once the pandemic concludes.

Goodman said how parents with ADHD handle the situation is a main focus on some of the sessions during the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) 2021 Annual Conference.