Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, disabling disease in adults. Newly developed diagnostic measures are available to screen for and support the diagnosis. ADHD typically causes complaints of disturbances of attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, although a subgroup of patients have only problems with attention. The disorder may be subtle or it may be obscured by secondary problems; the boundaries of the syndrome often blur with those of other disease entities. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, effective pharmacologic treatments are available. Psychologic treatment serves an important adjunctive role for associated problems and concurrent psychologic disorders. Marked improvement in quality of life often occurs after diagnosis and appropriate treatment.