Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox medical condition
| name                    = Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
| synonyms                = Adult ADHD
| field                  = [[Psychiatry]], [[Clinical psychology]]
| symptoms                = [[Inattention]], [[hyperactivity]], [[impulsivity]]
| onset                  = [[Childhood]]
| duration                = [[Chronic (medicine)|Chronic]]
| causes                  = [[Genetic predisposition]], [[environmental factors]]
| risks                  = [[Family history]], [[substance abuse]], [[stress]]
| diagnosis              = [[Clinical assessment]], [[DSM-5]] criteria
| differential            = [[Bipolar disorder]], [[anxiety disorders]], [[depression (mood)|depression]]
| treatment              = [[Medication]], [[psychotherapy]], [[behavioral therapy]]
| medication              = [[Stimulants]], [[non-stimulants]]
| frequency              = 2.5% of adults
| prognosis              = [[Variable]], can be managed with treatment
| complications          = [[Substance use disorder]], [[relationship issues]], [[occupational difficulties]]
}}
'''Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder''' ('''ADHD''') is a mental health condition characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are more pronounced than typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. While ADHD is often diagnosed in children, it can persist into adulthood and affect an individual's daily life, including their work performance, relationships, and self-esteem.
'''Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder''' ('''ADHD''') is a mental health condition characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are more pronounced than typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. While ADHD is often diagnosed in children, it can persist into adulthood and affect an individual's daily life, including their work performance, relationships, and self-esteem.
==Symptoms and Diagnosis==
==Symptoms and Diagnosis==
Adult ADHD symptoms can be divided into two main categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Inattention symptoms may include difficulty maintaining focus, following detailed instructions, and organizing tasks. Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms can manifest as restlessness, an inability to stay seated, excessive talking, and impulsive decisions without considering the consequences.
Adult ADHD symptoms can be divided into two main categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Inattention symptoms may include difficulty maintaining focus, following detailed instructions, and organizing tasks. Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms can manifest as restlessness, an inability to stay seated, excessive talking, and impulsive decisions without considering the consequences.
Diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a comprehensive evaluation, often including a detailed history of the individual's childhood behavior, academic performance, and a review of symptoms. The [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]] (DSM-5) criteria are commonly used to diagnose ADHD. It is important to rule out other conditions that may mimic ADHD or occur as comorbid conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse.
Diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a comprehensive evaluation, often including a detailed history of the individual's childhood behavior, academic performance, and a review of symptoms. The [[Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders]] (DSM-5) criteria are commonly used to diagnose ADHD. It is important to rule out other conditions that may mimic ADHD or occur as comorbid conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are often effective in managing symptoms. Non-stimulant medications, including atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, may also be used. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals develop coping strategies and address any co-occurring mental health issues. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep, can further help manage symptoms.
Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are often effective in managing symptoms. Non-stimulant medications, including atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, may also be used. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals develop coping strategies and address any co-occurring mental health issues. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep, can further help manage symptoms.
==Impact==
==Impact==
Adult ADHD can significantly impact various aspects of life. Individuals may struggle with organizational skills, time management, and maintaining relationships. These challenges can lead to underachievement in the workplace, academic difficulties, and low self-esteem. Recognizing and treating ADHD in adults is crucial for improving quality of life and preventing the long-term consequences of untreated ADHD.
Adult ADHD can significantly impact various aspects of life. Individuals may struggle with organizational skills, time management, and maintaining relationships. These challenges can lead to underachievement in the workplace, academic difficulties, and low self-esteem. Recognizing and treating ADHD in adults is crucial for improving quality of life and preventing the long-term consequences of untreated ADHD.
==Epidemiology==
==Epidemiology==
The prevalence of ADHD in adults, while difficult to estimate accurately, is thought to be around 2.5% to 4% of the global population. ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in males than females, though this may reflect a bias in diagnosis rather than an actual difference in prevalence.
The prevalence of ADHD in adults, while difficult to estimate accurately, is thought to be around 2.5% to 4% of the global population. ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in males than females, though this may reflect a bias in diagnosis rather than an actual difference in prevalence.
==History==
==History==
Historically, ADHD was considered a condition that primarily affected children, with the expectation that they would "outgrow" it. However, research over the past few decades has shown that ADHD can persist into adulthood and that adults can be diagnosed even if they were not diagnosed as children.
Historically, ADHD was considered a condition that primarily affected children, with the expectation that they would "outgrow" it. However, research over the past few decades has shown that ADHD can persist into adulthood and that adults can be diagnosed even if they were not diagnosed as children.
==See Also==
==See Also==
* [[Childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]]
* [[Childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]]
* [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]]
* [[Cognitive behavioral therapy]]
* [[Stimulant medication]]
* [[Stimulant medication]]
[[Category:Mental health disorders]]
[[Category:Mental health disorders]]
[[Category:Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]]
[[Category:Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]]
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Latest revision as of 22:24, 3 April 2025


Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Synonyms Adult ADHD
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity
Complications Substance use disorder, relationship issues, occupational difficulties
Onset Childhood
Duration Chronic
Types N/A
Causes Genetic predisposition, environmental factors
Risks Family history, substance abuse, stress
Diagnosis Clinical assessment, DSM-5 criteria
Differential diagnosis Bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, depression
Prevention N/A
Treatment Medication, psychotherapy, behavioral therapy
Medication Stimulants, non-stimulants
Prognosis Variable, can be managed with treatment
Frequency 2.5% of adults
Deaths N/A


Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a mental health condition characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are more pronounced than typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development. While ADHD is often diagnosed in children, it can persist into adulthood and affect an individual's daily life, including their work performance, relationships, and self-esteem.

Symptoms and Diagnosis[edit]

Adult ADHD symptoms can be divided into two main categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Inattention symptoms may include difficulty maintaining focus, following detailed instructions, and organizing tasks. Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms can manifest as restlessness, an inability to stay seated, excessive talking, and impulsive decisions without considering the consequences. Diagnosis of ADHD in adults requires a comprehensive evaluation, often including a detailed history of the individual's childhood behavior, academic performance, and a review of symptoms. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria are commonly used to diagnose ADHD. It is important to rule out other conditions that may mimic ADHD or occur as comorbid conditions, such as anxiety disorders, depression, and substance abuse.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for adult ADHD typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate and amphetamines, are often effective in managing symptoms. Non-stimulant medications, including atomoxetine and certain antidepressants, may also be used. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help individuals develop coping strategies and address any co-occurring mental health issues. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep, can further help manage symptoms.

Impact[edit]

Adult ADHD can significantly impact various aspects of life. Individuals may struggle with organizational skills, time management, and maintaining relationships. These challenges can lead to underachievement in the workplace, academic difficulties, and low self-esteem. Recognizing and treating ADHD in adults is crucial for improving quality of life and preventing the long-term consequences of untreated ADHD.

Epidemiology[edit]

The prevalence of ADHD in adults, while difficult to estimate accurately, is thought to be around 2.5% to 4% of the global population. ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in males than females, though this may reflect a bias in diagnosis rather than an actual difference in prevalence.

History[edit]

Historically, ADHD was considered a condition that primarily affected children, with the expectation that they would "outgrow" it. However, research over the past few decades has shown that ADHD can persist into adulthood and that adults can be diagnosed even if they were not diagnosed as children.

See Also[edit]

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