Pediatrician Yair Bannett studies and treats ADHD in preschool-age children. His interests stem from watching too many families struggle to understand their child’s behavior. He now focuses on improving frontline care using artificial intelligence to analyze electronic health records. One recent study explored whether doctors are making appropriate non-drug interventions before choosing to medicate children. Through his research, he hopes to raise the standard of ADHD care for thousands – and perhaps millions – of children. Early diagnosis and better care can prevent later problems, Bannett tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Episode Reference Links:

Stanford Profile: Yair Bannett

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website
Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon
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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction

Russ Altman introduces guest Yair Bannett, a developmental behavioral pediatrician at Stanford University.

(00:03:44) Why Study ADHD

Yair’s path from primary care pediatrics to ADHD research.

(00:04:32) Understanding ADHD

The core symptoms and diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

(00:05:57) Diagnosing ADHD in Youth

Why diagnosis is challenging and relies on clinical judgment.

(00:08:21) Known Causes of ADHD

What is known about biological origins and environmental influence.

(00:10:08) Geographic and Cultural Differences

The variations in ADHD prevalence across regions and populations.

(00:11:37) ADHD Across Countries

Prevalence of ADHD globally and challenges with monitoring diagnosis.

(00:12:23) Natural History of Untreated ADHD

The lifelong persistence of ADHD and associated risks when untreated.

(00:14:28) ADHD Diagnosis in Adults

The challenges in identifying and diagnosing ADHD later in life.

(00:16:27) ADHD Treatments

An overview of the two treatment interventions used to treat ADHD.

(00:18:16) Stimulant Medications

The effectiveness and long-term benefits of stimulant treatments.

(00:21:30) Non-Stimulant Medications

When and why alternative medications for ADHD are used.

(00:22:31) Non-pharmacological Interventions

The alternative interventions used outside pharmacological treatments.

(00:23:18) Reducing Household Chaos

Strategies for structure and behavior management within the home.

(00:24:55) Measuring Quality of ADHD Care

Using electronic health records and AI to improve treatment.

(00:28:10) Importance of Early Diagnosis

The benefits of identifying ADHD before school entry.

(00:29:29) Future In a Minute

Rapid-fire Q&A: applying AI, collaboration, and theatre dreams.

(00:31:55) Conclusion

Connect With Us:

Episode Transcripts >>> The Future of Everything Website

Connect with Russ >>> Threads / Bluesky / Mastodon

Connect with School of Engineering >>>Twitter/X / Instagram / LinkedIn / Facebook

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The future of ADHD

The Future of Everything