OBJECTIVE: To examine available literature regarding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. METHODS: An electronic literature search of peer-reviewed English language articles using MEDLINE (without time limits) was undertaken. RESULTS: Symptoms of ADHD in adults exert a substantial negative impact on daily life, including work, social life and relationships. Co-morbidities are common, further impairing quality of life. Diagnosis of adult ADHD can be difficult, as current criteria require evidence of symptom onset before the age of 7 years and impact on activities typically undertaken by children. Drug therapy is the first-line treatment for adult ADHD, particularly stimulant medication. However, methylphenidate (MPH) immediate-release tablets require three or more times daily dosing, which can impact on compliance, while demonstrating a loss of symptomatic benefit later in the day. Extended-release preparations of MPH, mixed amphetamine salts and dexamphetamine can provide symptom control for 6-12 h and the non-stimulant atomoxetine has demonstrated benefit in reducing ADHD symptoms. These therapies are generally well tolerated, but may be associated with adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, which need to be further assessed in controlled clinical trials. Psychological therapy may be beneficial in adults who continue to experience clinically significant symptoms while receiving pharmacotherapy. CONCLUSION: Further research in all areas of adult ADHD is urgently needed.
OBJECTIVE: To examine available literature regarding attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. METHODS: An electronic literature search of peer-reviewed English language articles using MEDLINE (without time limits) was undertaken. RESULTS: Symptoms of ADHD in adults exert a substantial negative impact on daily life, including work, social life and relationships. Co-morbidities are common, further impairing quality of life. Diagnosis of adult ADHD can be difficult, as current criteria require evidence of symptom onset before the age of 7 years and impact on activities typically undertaken by children. Drug therapy is the first-line treatment for adult ADHD, particularly stimulant medication. However, methylphenidate (MPH) immediate-release tablets require three or more times daily dosing, which can impact on compliance, while demonstrating a loss of symptomatic benefit later in the day. Extended-release preparations of MPH, mixed amphetamine salts and dexamphetamine can provide symptom control for 6-12 h and the non-stimulant atomoxetine has demonstrated benefit in reducing ADHD symptoms. These therapies are generally well tolerated, but may be associated with adverse effects on the cardiovascular system, which need to be further assessed in controlled clinical trials. Psychological therapy may be beneficial in adults who continue to experience clinically significant symptoms while receiving pharmacotherapy. CONCLUSION: Further research in all areas of adult ADHD is urgently needed.
Authors: Thomas Vanicek; Alexandra Kutzelnigg; Cecile Philippe; Helen L Sigurdardottir; Gregory M James; Andreas Hahn; Georg S Kranz; Anna Höflich; Alexander Kautzky; Tatjana Traub-Weidinger; Marcus Hacker; Wolfgang Wadsak; Markus Mitterhauser; Siegfried Kasper; Rupert Lanzenberger Journal: Hum Brain Mapp Date: 2016-10-22 Impact factor: 5.038
Authors: Diane S Rohlman; Ahmed Ismail; Matthew R Bonner; Gaafar Abdel Rasoul; Olfat Hendy; Lizette Ortega Dickey; Kai Wang; James R Olson Journal: Neurotoxicology Date: 2019-05-08 Impact factor: 4.294
Authors: Eric Q Wu; Paul Hodgkins; Rym Ben-Hamadi; Juliana Setyawan; Jipan Xie; Vanja Sikirica; Ella X Du; Sherry Y Yan; M Haim Erder Journal: CNS Drugs Date: 2012-07-01 Impact factor: 5.749