Overview

CPD on the go® eLearning activities provide an opportunity to learn about diverse topics in short, flexible sessions that you can peruse at your own pace, wherever you are.

Temperament has long been recognised as a foundational element of individual differences, shaping patterns of emotional reactivity, regulation, and behaviour across the lifespan. In the context of neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD, temperament offers an important lens for understanding why symptom presentation varies so widely between individuals and how emotional and behavioural tendencies may overlap with other psychiatric conditions. Increasing evidence suggests that temperament profiles can contribute to the complexity of ADHD assessment and may help clarify its frequent co-occurrence with disorders characterised by mood instability and emotional dysregulation. 

The article investigates this interface by examining how affective temperament traits, measured using the TEMPS-A and normed to the Lebanese population, relate to ADHD diagnosis in a large clinical outpatient sample. The study aimed to determine whether specific temperament profiles independently predict ADHD when controlling for demographic factors and psychiatric comorbidities. Findings demonstrated that irritable temperament was a significant risk factor for ADHD, whereas depressive temperament unexpectedly emerged as a protective factor. By applying multivariable modelling and population-standardised temperament scores, the study provides nuanced evidence that temperament contributes meaningfully to the clinical picture of ADHD and may assist in refining diagnostic considerations and future intervention planning. 

This activity contains a current evidence-based article followed by 10 questions to consolidate your learning. Together, a pass mark of 80% and completion of a reflection represents active* continuing professional development (CPD). 

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those new to the topic.

Target audience

This activity is suitable for: psychologists, social workers, general practitioners, occupational therapists, nurses, and allied health practitioners.

APS CPD-Approved

This eLearning activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this CPD on the go®  eLearning activity, participants should be able to: 

• describe how temperament traits influence emotional expression and regulation in individuals with ADHD,

• analyse the differential impact of irritable and depressive temperament profiles on ADHD risk, including their interaction with common psychiatric comorbidities,

• reflect on how temperament-informed insights can shape therapeutic conversations, assessment formulations, and case conceptualisation for clients presenting with ADHD symptoms, and 

• evaluate the benefits and limitations of incorporating culturally normalised temperament assessments into clinical practice, when working with adults and adolescents with suspected ADHD. 

Notes