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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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Care of Adults with Chronic Childhood Conditions

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic health condition that affects individuals throughout the lifespan with adult prevalence rates of 4.4 %. ADHD has a wide-ranging impact upon adult health and lifespan, as well as psychosocial, educational, and vocational/socioeconomic outcomes. In this chapter, we review the case of Mr. S, an adult with ADHD, who experiences many challenges common for this population. This review highlights common risk factors and outcomes, as well as effective treatment approaches. We then review the definition of ADHD, adult ADHD epidemiology, diagnostic considerations, pathophysiology, risk factors associated with adult ADHD, treatment considerations, and issues related to transition to adult care.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Fegan 10, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    David S. Stein, Elizabeth B. Harstad & William J. Barbaresi

Authors
  1. David S. Stein
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  2. Elizabeth B. Harstad
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  3. William J. Barbaresi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to David S. Stein .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Medicine, Hofstra North Shore-LIJ School of Medicine, LAKE SUCCESS, New York, USA

    Mariecel Pilapil

  2. Mount Sinai School of Medicine , NEW YORK, New York, USA

    David E. DeLaet

  3. University of California Los Angeles , SANTA MONICA, California, USA

    Alice A. Kuo

  4. Baylor Clinic , HOUSTON, Texas, USA

    Cynthia Peacock

  5. Brigham and Women's Hospital , BOSTON, Massachusetts, USA

    Niraj Sharma

Appendices

Appendix

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) condition fact sheet

Definition

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that often affects individuals throughout the lifespan. ADHD is characterized by impairing symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity across at least 2 different settings, such as home and work

• Associated deficits in executive function (organization, planning) are common

Epidemiology

• The prevalence of ADHD among US adults ages 18–44-years old is reported to be 4.4 %

• ADHD is more common in males than females, with pediatric studies reporting that males are 2–3 times more likely to have ADHD, while the male to female ratio is lower among affected adults

• Rates of diagnosed ADHD are lower among minority populations, potentially due to under identification

• ADHD is significantly more common among first-degree relatives of affected individuals, reflecting the high heritability of ADHD

Special considerations

Individuals with ADHD have high rates of comorbid mental health and other chronic conditions, including:

• Depression/Mood disorders

• Suicidality

• Anxiety disorders

• Substance use disorders

• Learning disorders

• Antisocial personality disorder

• Obesity

Individuals often have impairment in multiple domains including:

• Employment and occupational functioning

• Relationships

• Driving

Suggested Reading List

  • Barkley RA, Murphy KR, Fischer M. ADHD in Adults: What the Science Says. New York, NY: The Guilford Press. 2008.

  • Barkley RA. Taking Charge of Adult ADHD. New York, NY: The Guilford Press. 2010.

Patient/Caregiver Resources

  • Barkley RA. Taking Charge of Adult ADHD. New York, NY: The Guilford Press. 2010.

  • Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (www.chadd.org)

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Stein, D.S., Harstad, E.B., Barbaresi, W.J. (2016). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In: Pilapil, M., DeLaet, D., Kuo, A., Peacock, C., Sharma, N. (eds) Care of Adults with Chronic Childhood Conditions. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-43827-6_3

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