Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Using Brain Activation (nir-HEG/Q-EEG) and Execution Measures (CPTs) in a ADHD Assessment Protocol
Published on: April 1, 2018
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a survey of diagnosis and treatment practices
Kathleen C Knutson1, Maureen O'Malley
1Anchorage Medical and Surgical Clinic, Anchorage, Alaska. k2c2knutson@ak.net
Purpose:
To review the literature to ascertain best practices in the diagnosis and treatment of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to determine the current beliefs and practices of nurse practitioners (NPs) regarding adult ADHD.
Data Sources:
Licensed NPs (n= 260) responded to a questionnaire that inquired about numbers of patients seen with ADHD and about current diagnostic and treatment methods. Diagnostic confidence and referral patterns were also surveyed. Best practices were identified through a review of current and classic nursing, medical, and psychological literature on ADHD.
Conclusions:
The results of the survey showed that most NPs believe that adult ADHD exists, although the majority diagnose and treat this condition infrequently. Psychiatric NPs were an exception.
Implications For Practice:
NPs are diagnosing and treating adult ADHD at levels far below expected based on population prevalence data. While those NPs who suspected ADHD were using appropriate diagnostic and treatment methods, more education is warranted to increase confidence for a greater number of nonpsychiatric NPs to improve targeted diagnosis and treatment for this condition.
More Related Videos
05:48The Adventures of Fundi Intervention Based on the Cognitive and Emotional Processing in Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder Patients
Published on: June 12, 2020
10:02Event Related Potentials (ERPs) and other EEG Based Methods for Extracting Biomarkers of Brain Dysfunction: Examples from Pediatric Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Published on: March 12, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Conduct Disorder
Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Diagnostic Criteria and...