Adult Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition that is present in approximately 2.5% of adults worldwide and manifests in a variety of different ways across the lifespan. Adults with ADHD often have coexisting psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, mood, sleep, substance use, and personality disorders and are at increased risk for coexisting somatic conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and immune and inflammatory conditions. Hence, such adults may be seen by clinicians providing care for a wide range of psychiatric and somatic conditions. Nevertheless, ADHD remains unrecognized and undiagnosed in many persons. Assessment requires interviewing of the patient for core ADHD symptoms, coexisting conditions, and their functional effects, which can be facilitated by using standardized rating scales. Key components of treatment are psychoeducation and psychostimulant or nonstimulant medication, mostly in combination with psychosocial interventions and lifestyle guidance.