ADHD

Summary

Throughout this chapter we have made an effort to highlight the many problems associated with the diagnosis of adults with ADHD as well as the presentation and ramification of the disorder in their lives, with a particular focus on young adults in postsecondary educational settings. In addition, we have reviewed a number of significant studies in the fields of genetics, neurobiology, neurochemistry, and neuropsychology in an attempt to capture data that are relevant to our understanding of ADHD in an adult population. Strategies including pharmacotherapy, psychosocial interventions, and current intervention practices have been detailed, again with a focus on adults, recognizing that much of the knowledge is based on clinical rather than empirical validation. [In light of the existing limitations on research involving adults and the outcome studies currently in the literature, in the future, we will be most anxious to see research that includes both men and women, differentiates between Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive, and Combined Types in the subjects drawn for study, begins to address the subtypes suggested by Amen and others for purposes of treatment interventions. Investigations of treatment strategies such as coaching, support groups, and directive psychotherapy as they may impact on the lives of adults with ADHD, whether diagnosed as children or adults will be critical as well].