Prior to the Congress, I was delighted to attend a meeting of the IMpACT and ECNP ADHD network; a group of ADHD experts who collaborate to study and further the field of ADHD across the lifespan. There, we discussed existing collaborations, new project ideas and dissemination activities. Having worked on several grant-funded projects in my career thus far, it was so exciting to see project inception; observing world-leading experts in the field combine knowledge and utilise their networks to build something of great scientific value.
The congress itself included a variety of talks on critical aspects of the field of ADHD; to name a few, female ADHD and the impact of hormones on mood and health, co-occurring substance use disorders and ADHD, cardiovascular risk outcomes in individuals taking ADHD medication and a stimulating debate about the impact of cognitive behavioural therapy. These sessions not only enabled me to put faces to the names on the research papers I have been poring over, but also outlined the incredible work that is being conducted in the field. It was an amazing opportunity to witness researchers and clinicians come together in debate and collaboration to make further advancements in the field and benefit individuals with ADHD, going forward. What stood out for me was how much everybody cared about their work.
On Saturday I presented my poster on ‘perceptions of adults with ADHD on pharmacological treatment initiation and subsequent adherence: a thematic analysis’. This project was completed using data from the end-of-study interviews within the ART-CARMA study, a remote monitoring study with adults with ADHD, a work package within TIMESPAN. It was invaluable for me to discuss my research plans with others and receive their feedback. Seeing the reactions of clinicians to my poster was particularly helpful, as some found it a useful perspective to share with their clients, which was gratifying, and others felt it perfectly reflected their own clinical experiences, which was reassuring.
And of course, despite the jam-packed days I did get to see some of Prague, go for long walks around the beautiful old town and have dinner with friends.
Ultimately, my week in Prague was informative, thought-provoking, motivating and somewhat tiring, but it was an amazing opportunity as an early career researcher to make connections, be inspired and learn from the experts in the field, and instilled a new excitement in me to be as much a part in it as I can.
This post was written by Alice Barnes, PhD student at partner KCL.