University of the Basque Country - Summer course:
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorder:
clinical impact, neurobiological mechanisms and comorbidity

ADHD is a developmental disorder associated with cognitive, emotional, and behavioral deficits. Its main symptoms are impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). It is one of the most common psychiatric pathologies in children with an estimated prevalence of 8-12% worldwide, and symptoms persist until adulthood in up to two-third of cases. Numerous studies have demonstrated the interactions between ADHD and other disorders that may aggravate the symptoms or the long-term outcome of the disease. Indeed, associations have been described with impaired perceptual function, and particularly pain.

The course activities will follow the categories

1. Master classes. The current knowledge on the disease, treatments and sensory comorbidity (i.e. alteration of pain perception) will be presented through  The clinical impact of the disease will be explained. The use of animal models to unravel underlying neurobiological mechanisms in a translational perspective will be assessed and neuroinflammatory processes will be highlighted.
2. Mini-challenges. Participants will team up to think about the interactions between comorbid disorders and their societal outcomes.  with the objective of (i) raise hypothesis on comorbidity mechanisms, treatment-induced side effects, and (ii) elaborate scientific strategies to test their hypothesis.
   
3. Round tables. attendees and course organizers, will participate  to discuss (i) the societal representation and acceptance of, or myths associated to, the disease, (ii) the consequences of comorbidity on well-being and therapeutical strategies, (iii) the possible increased prevalence of ADHD, and (iv) the translation of basic research into clinical applications through a bench to bedside approach.