Program Overview
Attention–deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiologic condition that affects individuals in all age groups. Although up to 70% of patients have persistent symptoms after adolescence, only about 25% of adults with ADHD are diagnosed and treated. Many patients who were diagnosed with ADHD during childhood believe they have outgrown the condition and often have not been properly transitioned from a pediatrician or pediatric psychiatrist to an adult health care provider.
The symptoms of ADHD change as individuals mature from childhood to adulthood and may actually cause more impairment with life’s increasing pressures and demands. Adults with ADHD experience daily struggles in regulating their attention, impulses in talking and action, and emotions. This can have personal, social, and economic consequences, affecting their lives at home and at work.
Almost half of adults with ADHD have comorbid conditions including depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. This can be challenging for both diagnosis and treatment. Many of the indicators of ADHD, such as mood swings and emotional lability, are often mistaken for comorbid disorders and can impact treatment compliance and response. Recognizing ADHD in adults leads to appropriate treatment, which may alleviate the social, occupational, and economic burdens this condition has on patients. In addition, the comorbidities in patients with ADHD may be ameliorated by treating the ADHD.
This activity will address the diagnosis and management of ADHD in patients who have transitioned from adolescence to adulthood. Case vignettes will illustrate some of the key issues encountered in the primary care setting.
