Clinical Features of Adults With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Focusing on Their Adherence to Medication

The purpose of the present study was to examine the clinical features and medication adherence of the patients diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in their adulthood.

The present study involved a retrospective chart review of the adults who were diagnosed with ADHD during the period of March 2016 to February 2021 at a university-based, tertiary hospital in South Korea. Two-year follow-up medical records of the participants after they were diagnosed with ADHD were reviewed.

The eligible sample consisted of 174 adults with ADHD (mean age, 25.14±7.84; male, 73.6%). Only 56.3% the subjects had sought treatment because of their ADHD symptoms and others had other chief complaints such as interpersonal relationship problems and depressed mood. One or more psychiatric comorbidities were found in 76.4% of the subjects. Only 42.6% of methylphenidate group showed higher adherence than 80%, and 40.0% of atomoxetine group showed higher adherence than 80%. Only 13.8% of methylphenidate group and 18.2% of atomoxetine group showed longer persistence than 365 days. None of the subjects had any substance-related events regarding ADHD medication.

ADHD not only persists into adulthood but is associated with a wide range of psychiatric symptoms and comorbidities. Clinicians should constantly consider the possibility of ADHD when evaluating adult patients. Most importantly, greater emphasis should be placed on improving adherence to pharmacological treatment rather than on the relatively minimal risk of medication abuse or misuse. Enhancing treatment adherence in adults with ADHD has the potential to significantly improve functioning across multiple domains.