Diagnosing and Treating Adults with ADHD

ADHD affects approximately 4 to 5 percent of the adult population and is characterized by persistent problems with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These core symptoms lead to a wide range of impairments in adulthood, including lower educational attainment, lower vocational achievement, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, and high risk for a wide range of additional psychiatric comorbidity.

The low rates of diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD in the community are likely attributable to a range of factors. One of these pertains to the challenges of making an accurate and valid diagnosis in the context of our current criteria. These criteria were developed and empirically substantiated using mostly male children and adolescents. As such, the developmental appropriateness of directly applying the criteria to adults has been questioned. (Medscape)