[Hyperactive behavior in adults; possibly attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)]

Two men aged 34 and 41 years, respectively, displayed hyperactive and chaotic behaviour. On the basis of the symptoms and their effect on the patients' functioning during childhood and adulthood, the diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was made. The patients became calmer with methylphenidate treatment, but a few months later they chose to stop taking the medication and to accept their hyperactive behaviour. To establish the diagnosis of ADHD in adults, it is essential that some of the symptoms started before seven years of age and that the symptoms and resulting impairment persist over time from childhood into adulthood. To investigate this, it is necessary to obtain heteroanamnestic information from the parents or other people who knew the patient at that age. Treatment with medication and psychoeducation is effective and can prevent further suffering.