This course equips health professionals with the knowledge and skills to recognise, assess, and manage childhood, adolescent and adult ADHD in clinical and community settings, according to their role and scope of practice.

About the course

  • Course Design: Self-directed

  • Duration: It will take about 3 hours to complete.

  • Eligibility for this course: Medical Officers, Registered Nurses (General & Speciality), Primary Care Nurse Specialists, Pharmacists, Pharmacist's Assistants and Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Health Professionals.

  • Accreditation: This course is accredited for:
    • HPCSA: 3 Clinical CPD points (Level 1)
    • WCDHW Nursing CPD accreditation: 3 points (1 in Area of Practice; 2 in Actioning)

  • Certification: Participants need 70% pass mark for final quiz.

  • Published: May 2026

If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply to start:

Your supervisor details are required

Apply to enroll

Course outline

This course covers the following content:

Understanding ADHD Across the Lifespan
  • Introduction:
    • ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder across the lifespan
    • Prevalence in South Africa
    • Myths and stigma related to ADHD
    • Multifactorial risk factors
    • Neurobiological condition
    • Impact of unmanaged ADHD
  • Screening & diagnosis of ADHD:
    • Core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity & impulsivity
    • Age-related differences in presentation
    • Gender-related differences in presentation
    • Steps in the diagnosis of ADHD
  • ADHD & comorbid conditions:
    • Complexities of ADHD
    • Common comorbid disorders in ADHD
    • Common confounding disorders in ADHD
  • Pharmacological management:
    • Management strategies
    • Pharmacological approaches
  • Non-pharmacological approaches:
    • Psychoeducation
    • Therapy
    • Psychotherapy interventions
    • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
    • Mind-body interventions
    • Sleep
    • Physical activity
    • Diet
    • Screentime
  • Occupational & educational challenges:
    • Occupational therapy and workplace support
    • SIAS (Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support)
    • Western Cape Education Department support system
    • Accommodations for learners with ADHD


Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness
People Development Centre

Acknowledgements:

  • University of Cape Town’s Knowledge & Instructional Development (KIDS) Training Hub
  • Knowledge Translation Unit