Dr Roger Paterson (MBBS, FRCPsych, FRANZCP, Certificate child psychiatry) graduated in medicine from the University of WA, and subsequently trained in child and adult psychiatry in London and Perth. He worked extensively in both the public and private sectors  in general child, adolescent and adult psychiatry from 1989, moving to full-time private practice in 1996.  He was the director of the Hollywood Private Hospital Eating Disorder Programme from 1997 to 2011.

His psychiatric practice in central Perth specialises mostly in adolescents and adults with ADHD, a field where he has been active as both a clinician, researcher and community advocate. Since 1994, he has supported the charity ADHD WA, both on the professional advisory body and on the management committee. In 1999, he led a group which published the 1st ever trial of dexamphetamine usage in adult ADHD. In July 2017 he joined the inaugural board of the Australian ADHD Professionals Association and remains an active member.

He is also engaged in managing binge eating disorders (bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder), particularly in the field of pharmacotherapy where he has researched and lectured.

In this presentation Dr Paterson will summarise standard medication treatment for ADHD in all ages, providing an up-to-date perspective on all the different types of medications which are used to find the right balance for each individual person with ADHD.

Stimulant–type medications remain the most effective treatments, namely dexamphetamine and methylphenidate (trade name Ritalin). They improve the core symptoms of ADHD–increased attention, better organised, and calmer. And generally considered to be “clean” with few significant side effects. But for all that, they remain controversial and Dr Paterson will help resolve any concerns that people may have about their use.

And he will also outline what medications are available if stimulant medications do not work.

At the end of his presentation, the audience should be fully informed about the range of medications that are available, and have some familiarity with their usage.