Diagnosis and Treatment of Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health diagnosis that affects an individual’s brain development and activity, resulting in inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning in many aspects of life. A growing number of adults have a diagnosis of ADHD, with approximately one-third of those being diagnosed in adulthood rather than childhood. Symptoms and treatment of adults with ADHD are different than in the pediatric population. Evidence-based practices on identification, diagnosis, and treatment for adults with ADHD will be explored. Clinicians in primary care must be knowledgeable of treatment for adults with ADHD to meet this growing demand.