scholarly journals Treatment of adult ADHD: a clinical perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josh Geffen ◽  
Kieran Forster
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Clinical Perspective ◽  
Negative Outcomes ◽  
Psychotherapeutic Intervention ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Vulnerable Patients ◽  
Treatment Responsiveness

Adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has moved from the blurred edge of clinical focus to clear recognition as a prevalent and significant disorder in its own right. It is a relatively common comorbidity which if identified and treated may open the door to better outcomes for hard-to-treat patients. Conversely, failure to identify and treat adult ADHD is linked to negative outcomes. The recognition of the importance of adult ADHD in a subset of our patients challenges us to overcome our anxiety about this diagnosis and prevent the societal marginalization of vulnerable patients. Adult ADHD responds well to integrated pharmacological and psychotherapeutic intervention. Its treatment responsiveness reduces disability and allows the comorbidity which is typically present to be addressed. Mastering this challenge can make the diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD a rewarding experience.

scholarly journals Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Why should we pay attention?

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renata Schoeman ◽  
Ruth Albertyn ◽  
Manie De Klerk
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Access To Treatment ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder

Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, with a chronic, costly and debilitating course if untreated. Limited access to diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD contributes to the cost of the disorder and the burden of disease.Aim: This study aims to identify the barriers to care for adults with ADHD.Methods: A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 key opinion leaders in the field of adult ADHD in SA was conducted to obtain narratives regarding frustrations experienced when treating adults with ADHD and needs of patients regarding management of ADHD. Qualitative content analysis was completed using Atlas.ti (version 7).Results: Four key themes which emerged from the interviews were ‘lack of recognition of the disorder’, ‘lack of access to diagnosis’, ‘lack of access to treatment’ and ‘a life of perpetual failure’. Core to these themes are the lack of knowledge amongst health care professionals, funders, and society at large.Conclusion: Our findings expand on previous research regarding the need to increase the knowledge base on adult ADHD. A collaborative stakeholder approach is needed to provide research and training for improved diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD in the South African context.

Epidemiology, Impairments, and Differential Diagnosis in Adult ADHD: Introduction

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (S12) ◽  
pp. 4-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lenard A. Adler
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Childhood Disorder

In the mid-1970s, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was still believed to be a childhood disorder that disappeared with the onset of adolescence. At this time, Wender studied a cohort of adults presenting with ADHD-like symptoms, all of whom had been diagnosed with ADHD in childhood. Wender prescribed psycho-stimulants, which successfully produced a response in the adults, thus fostering research into adult ADHD.

Medical Mimics and Differential Diagnosis in Adult ADHD

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (S15) ◽  
pp. 14-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. Stein
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Adult Patient ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Diagnostic Evaluation ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Rule Out

When performing a diagnostic evaluation for an adult patient with possible adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), clinicians must pay particular attention to possible mimics. ADHD mimics are conditions responsible for the symptoms or impairments that superficially resemble, and may be confused with ADHD. These mimics may produce symptoms and impairments similar to those seen in adults with ADHD, but differ in etiology, course, or response to treatment of ADHD. When evaluating someone for ADHD, clinicians should first rule out the possibility of medical, psychiatric, and social mimics of ADHD.

Core dimensions of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

2020 ◽  
pp. 301-308
Author(s):  
Eric Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Clinical Picture ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Hyperkinetic Disorder ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder

This chapter presents an account of the clinical picture of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the severe form hyperkinetic disorder. They are disabilities that change with development and are often accompanied by other problems that can mask it or themselves be masked by it. Clinical and standardized ways of making the diagnosis are described. Inattentiveness and impulsive hyperactivity are rewarding challenges for diagnosis and treatment in adulthood, as well as during childhood and adolescence.

Pharmacotherapy of ADHD in Adults

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (S8) ◽  
pp. 11-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy E. Wilens
Keyword(s):  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ◽  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Attention Deficit ◽  
Adult Adhd ◽  
Therapeutic Options ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
Children With Adhd ◽  
Hyperactivity Disorder

There is a complex overlap between major depressive disorder (MDD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The different therapeutic options for adult ADHD mirror those used for children with ADHD. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medications are used to treat the disorder.

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