Treating adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in hospitalized psychiatric patients

We intend to review the importance of appropriately recognizing and managing attention deficit/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) in the acute psychiatric hospital setting.

We demonstrate the management of three patients with associated ADD/ADHD diagnosis in the hospital setting. This case series is followed by a review of the literature on the treatment of ADD/ADHD with particular focus on inpatient treatment.

Given that the core symptoms of ADD/ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, poor concentration, impulsivity, poor organization and emotional instability, it follows that a comprehensive inpatient treatment plan should address these issues in order to obtain sustained, focused participation on the part of the patient. Suppression of ADD/ADHD symptoms with stimulants greatly enhanced our patients' ability to more productively and actively participate in the treatment of the acute psychiatric problems which led to their admission.

Currently, no published data exist on prevalence of ADD/ADHD in psychiatric hospitals, rates of treatment and outcome of treatment with regard to recovery and quality of aftercare. Nonetheless, the benefits of treating ADD/ADHD among psychiatric inpatients may be seen in case examples and are also apparent in the data concerning treatment of ADD/ADHD in the dually diagnosed.