Prof. Dr. med. Dipl.-Psych. Michael Huss, Mainz

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. This incurable condition is characterized by impairments in perception and attention, socialization, and motor skills. For example, individuals with ADHD are easily distracted, have low perseverance, are very forgetful, and tend to act impulsively and spontaneously without prior thought. They are also sensitive to criticism and have a low frustration tolerance. Following rules and building stable friendships are just as difficult for them. Their risk-taking tendencies often lead to accidents and injuries. Furthermore, their gross and fine motor skills are impaired, resulting in clumsy movements and pronounced fidgeting. The latter, in particular, was made famous over 150 years ago by the psychiatrist Heinrich Hoffmann (1809–1894) in his picture book "Struwwelpeter," in which he observed and uniquely depicted the psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence. The symptoms are individually pronounced in each person with ADHD and can also manifest as positive qualities such as resourcefulness, artistic creativity, enthusiasm, and helpfulness.

Prof. Dr. Michael Huss, Director of the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the University Medical Center Mainz, has been studying the causes and treatment of ADHD for many years. His research focuses on the importance of long-term psychotherapy as well as medication with Ritalin and combinations thereof. In his presentation “Medicine: The Fascination of Research,” he discusses current research findings on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and presents the complex and varying treatment options, as well as the life prospects of affected children. Because even though ADHD is not curable, the best possible way to manage it can be learned.