On Thursday, April 6, 2017, IDRAAC hosted a full-day congress titled "ADHD Across the Lifespan" at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hamra, Beirut. The event brought together over 250 attendees from diverse backgrounds, including mental health professionals, physicians, parents, educators, school and university administrators, and HR managers. The congress was held in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology at St. George’s Hospital University Medical Center and the Faculty of Medicine at Balamand University.

The opening session featured welcoming remarks from Dr. Elie Karam, president of IDRAAC, and Dr. John Fayyad, vice-president of IDRAAC and chairman of the congress. They introduced Dr. Lily Hechtman, one of the leading researchers on the long-term outcomes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Dr. Hechtman, a Professor in Psychiatry and Pediatrics and Director of Research on ADHD at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, shared insights from her extensive research on ADHD, focusing on long-term studies that track children with ADHD into adolescence and adulthood.

ADHD, which affects approximately 5% of children worldwide, can significantly impact concentration and focus, making students more restless and impulsive, which in turn interferes with their ability to study and reach their full potential. For adults, ADHD can also exacerbate memory issues. In her presentation, Dr. Hechtman discussed her latest research findings, revealing that while about one-third of children with ADHD outgrow their difficulties, two-thirds continue to experience symptoms into adulthood, impacting their ability to succeed in academic and professional settings.

The congress also featured presentations from prominent Lebanese psychologists, psychiatrists, and researchers, who shared their findings on topics including ADHD prevalence, treatment options, accommodations, outcomes, and the impact of social media. The discussions also explored ADHD's relation to driving, work, and education.

Through this event, IDRAAC provided valuable scientific data, increasing attendees’ knowledge and awareness of ADHD. The congress emphasized the availability of effective treatments and interventions for managing ADHD at all stages of life.