For a long time, ADHD was seen mainly as a childhood condition that had little to do with adult mental health. The authors of this review explain that the symptoms and difficulties that define ADHD often continue to affect adults. Because of this, awareness of adult ADHD has grown quickly, and new clinical practices have appeared in many parts of the world.
The review reports that adults with ADHD often respond to the same kinds of treatment used with younger people. This includes certain medicines that the authors name, such as methylphenidate, dexamphetamine, and atomoxetine, as well as psychosocial approaches. The paper describes these as part of the existing evidence base and does not give doses or set out a treatment plan. Decisions about whether any medicine is appropriate are matters for a qualified clinician, so anyone with questions about diagnosis or treatment is encouraged to speak with a health-care professional.
Even with this evidence, the authors note that treatment of adult ADHD is still not common practice in Europe and many other regions, and that diagnostic services are often limited or hard to reach. They argue that this gap is notable given the strong evidence for safe and effective treatment.
The review concludes that adult ADHD should be recognized in the same way as other common adult mental health conditions, and that not recognizing or treating it can harm the wellbeing of many people who are seeking help for common mental health problems.
Source: Asherson P, Buitelaar J, Faraone S, et al. Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: key conceptual issues. The Lancet Psychiatry (2016). doi:10.1016/s2215-0366(16)30032-3
Source: Asherson P, Buitelaar J, Faraone S, et al.. Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: key conceptual issues. The Lancet Psychiatry (2016). doi:10.1016/s2215-0366(16)30032-3