Materiały źródłowe

• #1 Adult ADHD: Overdiagnosed? Or finally getting the attention it deserves? | AAMC

  https://www.aamc.org/news/adult-adhd-overdiagnosed-or-finally-getting-attention-it-deserves

  15 million U.S. adults say they have a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. […] In 2023, the estimated prevalence of adult ADHD was tallied at 6% or 15.5 million people. […] Whats more, 1 in 4 U.S. adults now suspect they have the condition. […] Diagnosing ADHD is complicated and needs to be based on specific criteria. […] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has called the lack of U.S. consensus guidelines for diagnosing and treating adult ADHD a public health concern. […] Since few physicians are trained to treat the adult version of the condition, some may decide to prescribe medication simply to see if it helps. […] Nearly all people, if you give them a stimulant, they will say, Doc, youre a genius. Im doing great. But that doesnt prove the person has ADHD.

• #2 ADHD in Adults: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5197-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-in-adults

  Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a brain development condition that starts in childhood and continues after you become an adult. This condition causes trouble with maintaining attention, hyperactivity and impulse control difficulties. With treatment, people can usually live fulfilling lives with few or no effects from it. […] Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a condition that affects the development of your brain. It starts in childhood. While people commonly outgrow this condition, many dont. […] In children, ADHD can affect things like school performance and social skills. It can have very similar effects in adults, affecting things like work performance, friendships, relationships and mental health. […] A healthcare provider, usually a psychologist or psychiatrist, can diagnose ADHD based on your medical history and current symptoms. As part of diagnosing ADHD, your provider will ask you about your current symptoms and symptoms you had when you were a child. This usually involves a questionnaire designed specifically for diagnosing ADHD. Currently, there arent any lab or medical tests that can help diagnose ADHD.

• #3 Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic

  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adult-adhd/symptoms-causes/syc-20350878

  Adult ADHD symptoms may not be as clear as ADHD symptoms in children. […] Diagnosis of ADHD in adults can be difficult because certain ADHD symptoms are similar to those caused by other conditions, such as anxiety or mood disorders. […] Different types of health care professionals may diagnose and supervise treatment for ADHD. Seek a provider who has training and experience in caring for adults with ADHD.

• #4 Diagnosing ADHD | Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) | CDC

  https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html

  Diagnosing ADHD is a process with several steps. […] There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, such as sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, and certain types of learning disabilities, can also have symptoms similar to ADHD. […] If you are concerned about whether someone might have ADHD, the first step is to talk with a healthcare provider to find out if the symptoms fit an ADHD diagnosis. […] ADHD often lasts into adulthood. Symptoms might look different at older ages. For example, in adults, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness or wearing others out with their activity. […] Healthcare providers use the guidelines in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5), to help diagnose ADHD. […] The number of symptoms required for an ADHD diagnosis (by age group) are as follows: Six or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity for children up to age 16 years, OR Five or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity for adolescents ages 17 years and older and adults. […] People with ADHD show a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development. […] Only trained healthcare providers can diagnose or treat ADHD.

• #5 Adult ADHD Test | ADDA – Attention Deficit Disorder Association

  https://add.org/adhd-test/

  Countless adults who suffer from untreated ADHD avoid diagnosis or treatment due to the negative stigma associated with ADHD. […] However, many years of scientific research confirm adult ADHD does indeed exist, and that ADHD diminishes adults’ quality of life. […] With an accurate diagnosis, many treatment options and coping strategies become available. ADHD is not a “one size fits all” disorder, and many factors must be considered before a definitive diagnosis is made and appropriate treatment is found. […] It is important to understand this ADHD test is a starting point. It’s not a diagnostic test. It’s a symptoms checklist for adult ADHD. A full assessment and potential diagnosis of ADHD is not accomplished using an online test or during a quick doctor’s appointment. […] Other conditions can sometimes resemble ADHD, so it’s essential to work with a professional who can rule out these other conditions and make the appropriate diagnosis.

• #6 Effort Underway to Develop First U.S. Guidelines for ADHD in Adults | Columbia University Department of Psychiatry

  https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/effort-underway-develop-first-u-s-guidelines-adhd-adults

  The number of diagnosed cases of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have increased significantly among adults in the United States within the past decade, which could be due to many factors, including overdiagnosis. […] Other research tells another story: that clinicians misdiagnose or miss ADHD in adults and that fewer than 20% of individuals with ADHD are diagnosed and treated by clinicians. […] Its difficult to get a clear picture of how many individuals in this country fit a clinical definition for ADHD, when there are no U.S. guidelines for diagnosis and evaluation of ADHD in adults, Dr. Levin said. She added that practice guidelines currently exist only for childhood ADHD. […] To gauge the true scope of the problem and improve the quality of care, the American Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD) recently appointed a special committee to write the first-ever, authoritative guidelines for adult ADHD in the U.S.

• #7 Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults – CHADD

  https://chadd.org/for-adults/diagnosis-of-adhd-in-adults/

  You keep losing your keys, feel you can never finish anything at work, or maybe have had a family member say you might have ADHD. Whatever the reason, getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD is the first step of getting treatment. It is important to ultimately gaining control over symptoms that wreak havoc in your life, personally and professionally. […] Finding a clinician that is especially familiar with ADHD is key to a good diagnosis. […] The American Psychiatric Association provides clinical guidelines for the diagnosis of ADHD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). This manual provides symptoms which the doctor will be looking for in their diagnosis. […] A diagnosis of ADHD must include consideration of the possible presence of co-occurring conditions.

• #8 Adult ADHD: Assessment and Diagnosis | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/family-physician/patient-care/prevention-wellness/emotional-wellbeing/adhd-toolkit/assessment-and-diagnosis.html

  Evaluation of adults presenting with ADHD symptoms typically requires at least two visits. […] The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, outlines diagnostic criteria for making a diagnosis of ADHD in children and adults. For a formal diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity and/or inattention should meet the diagnostic criteria outlined in DSM-5 (DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD). […] An appropriate evaluation must consider whether the symptoms belong to ADHD, another mental health condition, another physical health condition, or if they represent more than one disorder. Other explanations for presenting symptoms should also be ruled out.

• #9 ADHD in Adults: 4 Things to Know – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know

  Adults can have ADHD. […] Based on their symptoms, a person can be diagnosed with one of three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined. […] ADHD is considered a developmental disorder because symptoms must begin in childhood but many adults also have ADHD. […] ADHD can be diagnosed in childhood or adulthood. However, adults must have shown symptoms much earlier, starting before age 12. […] The main difference between diagnosing ADHD in children and adults is the number of symptoms. Adults or adolescents over 16 years must show five (instead of six) symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity. […] Diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is complicated by the need to show symptoms before age 12. For this reason, a diagnosis relies heavily on past reports of behavior.

• #10 Adult ADHD Diagnosis: Testing Adults for ADHD

  https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/diagnosing-adhd-adults

  To find out for sure if you have ADHD and get help, you’ll need to see someone who is qualified and experienced in diagnosing ADHD in adults. […] Adults need to meet a lower threshold of symptoms than kids 5 out of 9 over the past 6 months for a diagnosis. […] Major events in two out of these three areas, like getting fired from a job, failing classes, and being unable to pay bills on time, are generally needed for an ADHD diagnosis. […] To be diagnosed with ADHD, your symptoms must have started in childhood (technically before you were 12). […] Based on your symptoms, your doctor will suggest treatment, which often includes medication, therapy, and learning strategies to manage your behavior. […] Your doctor may give you medicine to help you focus and concentrate better. […] It’s more complicated if you take other drugs for conditions such as high blood pressure or cholesterol. […] Medicine is just part of your strategy for treating ADHD. You’ll get ideas from your doctor on how to manage your day-to-day life, build new habits, and get organized.

• #11 Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment in the DSM-5 Era

  https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/adult-adhd-in-the-dsm-era/

  Current guidelines now include the addition of specific ADHD examples across the life span and an increase in the age at onset criteria from 7 to 12 years; the latter allows for more ADHD diagnoses because of the broadened age range for the first onset. […] Additionally, fewer symptoms are now required to establish a diagnosis of adult ADHD; both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity criteria have been lowered for those aged 17 years and older by requiring at least 5 of 9 criteria from either domain instead of 6 of 9. […] Taken together, these updates are better suited to diagnose adult ADHD. […] The outcomes of adult ADHD are best examined in longitudinal studies, which have shown that pharmacologic treatment helped manage ADHD symptoms, decreased the risk of developing comorbid disorders, and improved functional outcomes.

• #12 Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults – CHADD

  https://chadd.org/for-adults/diagnosis-of-adhd-in-adults/

  Clinical guidelines for a diagnosis of ADHD are provided by the American Psychiatric Association in the diagnostic manual Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). These established guidelines are widely used in research and clinical practice. […] A diagnosis of ADHD is determined by the clinician based on the number and severity of symptoms, the duration of symptoms and the degree to which these symptoms cause impairment in various areas of life, such as home, school or work; with friends or relatives; or in other activities. […] Several of the symptoms must have been present prior to age 12. This generally requires corroboration by a parent or some other informant. […] It is important to note that the presence of significant impairment in at least two major settings of the person’s life is central to the diagnosis of ADHD.

• #13 Diagnosis in Adults – CHADD

  https://chadd.org/for-professionals/diagnosis-in-adults/

  Clinical guidelines for a diagnosis of ADHD are provided by the American Psychiatric Association in the diagnostic manual Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). In making the diagnosis, adults should have at least five of the symptoms present. These symptoms can change over time, so adults may fit different presentations from when they were children. […] Several of the symptoms must have been present prior to age 12. This generally requires corroboration by a parent or some other informant. It is important to note that the presence of significant impairment in at least two major settings of the persons life is central to the diagnosis of ADHD. Examples of impairment include losing a job because of ADHD symptoms, experiencing excessive conflict and distress in a marriage, getting into financial trouble because of impulsive spending, failure to pay bills in a timely manner or being put on academic probation in college due to failing grades. If the individual exhibits a number of ADHD symptoms, but they do not cause significant impairment, s/he may not meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD as a clinical disorder.

• #14 Diagnosis of ADHD in Adults – CHADD

  https://chadd.org/for-adults/diagnosis-of-adhd-in-adults/

  A qualified professional can determine if these problems are due to ADHD, some other cause or a combination of causes. […] For adults, an ADHD diagnostic evaluation should be conducted by a licensed mental health professional or a physician. […] Whichever type of professional is chosen, it is important to ask about their training and experience in working with adults with ADHD. […] Most adults who seek an evaluation for ADHD experience significant problems in one or more areas of living. […] A comprehensive evaluation can include one or more standardized behavior rating scales. […] A medical examination does not confirm ADHD but is extremely important in helping to rule out other conditions or problems. […] Towards the end of the evaluation the clinician will integrate the information that has been collected through diverse sources, complete a written summary or report, and provide the individual and family with diagnostic opinions concerning ADHD as well as any other psychiatric disorders or learning disabilities that may have been identified during the course of the assessment.

• #15 Adult ADHD Test | ADDA – Attention Deficit Disorder Association

  https://add.org/adhd-test/

  The professionals qualified to diagnose ADHD, especially ADHD in adults, are defined differently by the governing bodies of mental and/or medical health professionals on a state-by-state and country-by-country level. […] Diagnosing ADHD, particularly in adults, requires extensive knowledge, skills, and training, not only to identify ADHD properly, but to separate comorbid conditions and correctly distinguish and diagnose other conditions that may mimic ADHD.

• #16 Diagnosis in Adults – CHADD

  https://chadd.org/for-professionals/diagnosis-in-adults/

  Most adults who seek an evaluation for ADHD experience significant problems in one or more areas of living. The following are some of the most common problems: Inconsistent performance in jobs or careers; losing or quitting jobs frequently, History of academic and/or career underachievement, Poor ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities, such as completing household chores, maintenance tasks, paying bills or organizing things, Relationship problems due to not completing tasks, Forgetting important things or getting upset easily over minor things, Chronic stress and worry due to failure to accomplish goals and meet responsibilities, Chronic and intense feelings of frustration, guilt or blame. […] Although procedures and testing materials may vary, certain protocols are considered essential for a comprehensive evaluation. These include a thorough diagnostic interview, information from independent sources such as the spouse or other family members, DSM-5 symptom checklists, standardized behavior rating scales for ADHD and other types of psychometric testing as deemed necessary by the clinician.

• #17 Why Adult ADHD Is Hard to Diagnose – The New York Times

  https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/20/well/mind/adhd-adults-diagnosis-treatment.html

  Dr. Goodman is working with Dr. Ramsay and other A.D.H.D. specialists from around the world to develop the first U.S. guidelines for diagnosing and treating adults with A.D.H.D., in collaboration with the American Professional Society of A.D.H.D. and Related Disorders. […] The new guidelines, which are expected to be available for public comment later this year, will aim to create a more uniform process for diagnosing adults, but the D.S.M. will continue to be the “gold standard” for providers, Dr. Ramsay said. […] For adults, a proper A.D.H.D. diagnosis typically requires several steps: an interview with the patient, a medical and developmental history, symptom questionnaires and, if possible, conversations with other people in the patient’s life, like a spouse. […] While everybody has some trouble paying attention or is restless from time to time, he added, it’s really how pervasive and significant the symptoms are and how consistent and impairing they’ve been throughout the patient’s life that helps doctors decide if an A.D.H.D. diagnosis is appropriate. […] People with A.D.H.D. are also likely to have another coexisting condition, like substance use disorder, depression or anxiety, which can make it challenging for both doctors and patients to understand if their symptoms are a result of A.D.H.D., particularly if the symptoms overlap.

• #18 Diagnosis and Management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults | AAFP

  https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2012/0501/p890.html

  The clinical diagnosis of ADHD in adults should take a stepwise approach, including evaluating current (in the past six months) ADHD symptoms using rating scales with adult norms. […] A number of structured diagnostic instruments/rating scales are available to help diagnose ADHD in adults. […] There are no specific laboratory or ancillary tests for confirmation of diagnosis, but some tests, such as thyroid studies, liver function tests, and lead levels, may be helpful for ruling out comorbid or mimicking conditions.

• #19 Psychological Testing for ADHD in Adults

  https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/psychological-testing-for-adhd-in-adults

  To diagnose ADHD, your healthcare professional will follow guidelines from the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This is a reference handbook healthcare professionals use to make diagnoses. […] DSM-5 guidelines provide a common set of instructions to increase the likelihood that different healthcare practitioners will make the same diagnosis. […] The most important part of your ADHD examination is the diagnostic interview. […] No matter how your healthcare professional conducts the interview, they’ll ask you standardized questions about your current and past behavior. […] Each question correlates with one of the main characteristics of either the inattentive or hyperactive pattern of ADHD. […] This part of the diagnosis process helps your healthcare professional get extra details and corroborate your answers.

• #20 Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) – NovoPsych

  https://novopsych.com/assessments/diagnosis/adult-adhd-self-report-scale-asrs/

  The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS v1.1) is an 18-item self-report questionnaire designed to assess Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adults (18+). This scale is based on the World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (2001), and the questions are consistent with both DSM-IV and DSM-5-TR criteria, specifically worded to reflect symptom manifestation in adults (Kessler et al., 2005). This scale is useful for screening and diagnosis of ADHD among adults 18+ and should be used in conjunction with a clinical interview to provide additional clinical information. […] If the respondent scores 14 or more in Part-A, then the symptom profile of the individual is consistent with a DSM-5-TR ADHD diagnosis in adults (Adler et al., 2006; Kessler et al., 2007). […] This scale should always be used in conjunction with a clinical interview to provide additional clinical information important for diagnosis.

• #21 ADHD screening: What to expect and more

  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/adhd-screening

  The attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) screening test is an essential step in diagnosing the condition. Before treatment can begin, an individual needs a diagnosis. The condition, however, is challenging to diagnose. […] Currently, there is no single test doctors can use to diagnose ADHD. Doctors typically use several steps for diagnosis. […] For adults, doctors may use: Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Symptom Assessment Scale for Adults: This is a set of 40 questions that assess issues such as attention and memory. […] A doctor may recommend an ADHD screening if an adult or child has relevant symptoms, even if these appear to be mild. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of ADHD that someone has. […] If an individual has the symptoms, it does not necessarily mean they have ADHD. However, an ADHD screening can help someone determine if they have the condition, thereby allowing them to seek suitable treatment.

• #22 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Workup: Approach Considerations, Laboratory Studies, Imaging Studies

  https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/289350-workup

  The diagnosis requires the symptoms of ADHD to be present both in school and at home. Furthermore, all patients must have a full psychiatric evaluation and physical examination. Here is a cautionary note underscoring the need for a full assessment for late-onset ADHD in adolescents and young adults. […] Adolescents and young adults without childhood ADHD often present to clinics seeking stimulant medication for late-onset ADHD symptoms and there is, indeed, a valid diagnosis of late-onset ADHD in many cases. However, diagnosis based on the traditional parameters for ADHD may be incomplete in their ability to make the proper determination. Researchers have found that a more thorough psychiatric history is called for. […] The diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is based on clinical evaluation. No laboratory-based medical tests are available to confirm the diagnosis. […] The Wender Utah Rating Scale may be helpful in diagnosing ADHD in adults. […] While these tests can be supportive of the diagnosis in a full clinical evaluation, they have low sensitivity and specificity and should not be the sole basis for diagnosis.

• #23 ADHD in adults | Mental Health Foundation

  https://mentalhealth.org.nz/conditions/condition/adhd-in-adults

  A diagnosis is made based on whether you have some or all of the typical symptoms, and the length of time you have had them. […] Because ADHD is a developmental disorder, meaning that it is present throughout a persons life, it is important to gather information from earlier in life, for example, by looking at old school reports. […] In order to understand how your symptoms are affecting you now, the psychiatrist will interview you and any other important people who are available (e.g. family members) and you will be asked to complete questionnaires. […] Based on this information, the psychiatrist may decide that a full cognitive assessment is needed to make sure the diagnosis is accurate. […] Once the assessment is complete, the psychiatrist will write the results up into a formal report and discuss them with you.

• #24 ADHD in Adults – ADHD Ireland

  https://adhdireland.ie/for-adults/adhd-in-adults/

  Adults with ADHD report difficulties in areas such as remembering, concentration, personal organisation and planning as well as behavioural, emotional and social problems. […] To receive an ADHD diagnosis, you will need to visit a psychologist or psychiatrist with experience in diagnosing and managing ADHD. […] It is believed that ADHD is not an adult onset disorder and can be verified from a review of childhood behaviours. […] An assessment may look back on childhood behaviour including school reports of inattentiveness, behaviour problems and underachievement as well as discussions with parents as to any childhood symptoms or family history of ADHD. […] This would be in addition to obtaining a complete self-report from the adult themselves of their symptoms. […] Other tests would be carried out to determine any medical or neurological illnesses or specific learning difficulties. […] There is no doubt that the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD as early in life as possible is the ideal situation. However there is compelling evidence that no matter how late the diagnosis is made, with the correct interventions and commitment, adults with ADHD can improve the quality of their lives.

• #25 Adult ADHD: Overdiagnosed? Or finally getting the attention it deserves? | AAMC

  https://www.aamc.org/news/adult-adhd-overdiagnosed-or-finally-getting-attention-it-deserves

  Symptoms also must have started in childhood. […] As the condition is currently defined, there is no such thing as late-onset ADHD. […] Yet identifying the condition can take time, with more than half of adult ADHD patients reporting they werent diagnosed until 18 or older. […] Recognizing ADHD in adults can be tougher than in children. […] Some people think the symptoms are normal parts of the human experience that are being pathologized. […] An accurate diagnosis requires a thorough patient interview, a medical and developmental history, and when possible, input from close contacts familiar with the patients moods and behaviors. […] Although failure to evaluate patients carefully can drive overdiagnosis, its not clear the extent to which it contributed to the recent bump in reported ADHD cases.

• #26

  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00787-023-02244-2

  Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an established condition with high prevalence and strong negative impact on mental health, academic and socio-economic performance and quality of life not only in children and adolescents, but also in adults. […] Although once considered a childhood limited disorder, ADHD symptoms and related impairments often persist into adulthood and up to 4.4% of all adults meet criteria for ADHD. […] Unlike in younger individuals, ADHD is often left untreated in adults. This is due to both the poor adherence to ADHD treatment initiated in childhood or adolescence and the frequent under-diagnosis of ADHD in adults. […] Speaking of under-diagnosis of ADHD in adults: there are two complex challenges to be faced when diagnosing ADHD in adults for the first time. One is to differentiate the cluster of ADHD symptoms from those of other psychiatric diagnoses that are frequently seen in adults. The other challenge is to reconstruct the presence of ADHD in childhood, as the existence of several ADHD symptoms before the age of 12 years is mandatory to diagnose ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder, according to ICD-11 and DSM-5.

• #27 Adult ADHD diagnoses soared during the pandemic. This expert says it is still undertreated. – UAB Reporter

  https://www.uab.edu/reporter/in-the-know/adult-adhd-diagnoses-soared-during-the-pandemic-this-expert-says-it-is-still-undertreated

  Adult ADHD diagnoses soared during the pandemic. This expert says it is still undertreated. The real problem for adults with ADHD is sustaining attention for tasks they find boring or routine and high levels of distractability, she said. About half of those 15.5 million people were diagnosed in adulthood, when the attention-deficit part of ADHD is more prevalent than hyperactivity or, as Fargason prefers to call it, motor restlessness. Diagnoses of adult ADHD at UAB during the same period mirror the national trend, Fargason says. But there are still people who have not sought treatment, she points out. Before the pandemic, only about 11 percent of adults with ADHD were receiving treatment, she said. The normal attention span in someone with an average IQ is 50 minutes, which is why a typical class is set for that time frame, Fargason says. This is a very difficult condition to diagnose, Fargason said. Fargason, who regularly lectures to medical students and other groups on adult ADHD, tells them that for a long time ADHD was overdiagnosed in primary care and underdiagnosed in psychiatry, she said. A lot of people were being treated for depression, bipolar disorder or anxiety when they had underlying ADHD, she said. There is overlap between ADHD and other psychiatric conditions, as well. About 50 percent of people who meet criteria for ADHD also meet criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, and about a quarter will have at least one depressive episode, Fargason said. Before she makes a diagnosis, Fargason will take detailed histories from her patients, including psychiatric, educational, medical and sleep histories. If the diagnosis is ADHD, there are two phases to treatment, Fargason tells patients. First, lets optimize your biologic symptoms and get you stabilized on an ideal dose, she said. Then lets look at behavioral strategies. The efficacy rate for psychostimulant medications in ADHD such as Adderal and Ritalin is extremely high 90-plus percent, Fargason said.

• #28 Adult ADHD: Diagnosis | CAMH

  https://www.camh.ca/en/professionals/treating-conditions-and-disorders/adult-adhd/adult-adhd—diagnosis

  The natural course of ADHD is to change into secondary anxiety and depression by adolescence, but ADHD remains the primary diagnosis. The concurrence of a personality disorder is also high, and ADHD should be considered in patients with bipolar II disorder, concurrent addictions to catecholamine substances (e.g., cannabis and cocaine), and other impulsive and anxiety disorders. The actual diagnosis might just be ADHD, with these other disorders as common secondary consequences of ADHD.

• #29 Effort Underway to Develop First U.S. Guidelines for ADHD in Adults | Columbia University Department of Psychiatry

  https://www.columbiapsychiatry.org/news/effort-underway-develop-first-u-s-guidelines-adhd-adults

  Evaluating for adult ADHD is a complex and multi-faceted process that cant be accomplished in a 5- or 10-minute interview. […] Diagnosis of coexisting psychiatric or substance use disorders is essential, as comorbidity influences both treatment approaches and outcomes. […] The guidelines will be based on a critical review the scientific literature; the APSARD Adult ADHD Quality Measures initiative, which over several years ago published metrics for assessing quality care for diagnosing and treating ADHD in adults; and the recommendations of committee of nearly 300 ADHD experts in collaboration with professional organizations.

• #30 Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment in the DSM-5 Era

  https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/adult-adhd-in-the-dsm-era/

  Missed diagnoses during childhood and the absence of treatment have been associated with an increased risk of substance use disorder, as well as educational, occupational, and social impairments in adaptive functioning. […] It is critical to increase and improve health care professionals awareness in symptom recognition and management of ADHD throughout the different life stages. […] Adult ADHD presentations are different from children, with reduced hyperactivity/impulsivity, enhanced inner tension/restlessness, and increased comorbid psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders that may complicate the diagnosis. […] Various criteria/guidelines summarized within can help effectively diagnose adult ADHD and highlight issues associated with the management and treatment of ADHD in adults.

• #31 ADHD in adults

  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/adhd-adults/

  ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in women than men. This may be because women with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms and these can be harder to recognise than hyperactive symptoms. […] If your ADHD symptoms are affecting your studies, work or relationships, make an appointment with a GP to find out what support is available. […] After the appointment, the GP may decide to refer you for an assessment with a mental health professional specialising in ADHD. […] Your appointment will be with an ADHD specialist such as a psychiatrist. […] If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist will talk to you about what this means and what will happen next, including what help and support may be available. […] Waiting times vary and you may have to wait several months or years to access ADHD specialist services. […] When you get a diagnosis of ADHD, your specialist will discuss ways you can be supported. […] ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist. […] Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or mindfulness, may be recommended for adults with ADHD.

• #32 The Reality of ADHD Diagnosis in Adulthood

  https://www.verywellmind.com/the-reality-of-adhd-diagnosis-in-adulthood-5206202

  The dialogue that only hyperactive little boys can be diagnosed with ADHD is extremely limiting and has contributed to a delayed or missed diagnosis in many women. […] In girls, inattentive ADHD is common. […] Because symptoms are experienced internally without being outwardly disruptive, the condition is often overlooked, and girls progress through school without intervention. […] If you’re having trouble focusing or experiencing other symptoms common to adult ADHD like impulsivity, restlessness or forgetfulness, talk to your healthcare provider about the potential for assessment and treatment.

• #33 The Reality of ADHD Diagnosis in Adulthood

  https://www.verywellmind.com/the-reality-of-adhd-diagnosis-in-adulthood-5206202

  A failure to recognize these behaviors, especially when they’re severe, can lead to a missed diagnosis of ADHD. […] Other symptoms of ADHD in adults include poor planning and time management, trouble multitasking, forgetfulness, low frustration tolerance and frequent mood swings. […] Many adults struggle with these symptoms without considering ADHD to be the source, which can often result in issues with self-confidence that lead to depressive thoughts. […] Getting an accurate diagnosis enables them to find and start an effective treatment plan, which is life-changing. […] A diagnosis can also finally provide an explanation for some of the struggles a person has faced in their life. […] This oversight has left an entire generation of women who could have benefited from a diagnosis to be „skipped” by medical professionals.

• #34 ADHD in Adults: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

  https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5197-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-in-adults

  Theres no cure for ADHD, but its very treatable. […] Medication is the most common and effective way to treat ADHD, and multiple types of medications can treat it. […] Many adults with ADHD benefit from treatments like psychotherapy (the technical term for mental health therapy). […] If you have adult ADHD, the effects that you experience depend on which subtype you have and symptom severity. Medication, therapy and other conventional approaches are usually enough for most people to manage this condition. […] ADHD is a lifelong condition. It doesnt go away and theres no way to cure it. However, research shows that the severity of the symptoms tends to decrease in older adults, especially after age 60. […] ADHD isnt a dangerous condition on its own. If adult ADHD goes untreated especially when its more severe it can negatively affect your life in several ways.

• #35 ADHD in Adults: 4 Things to Know – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

  https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/adhd-what-you-need-to-know

  It is never too late to seek a diagnosis and treatment for ADHD and any other mental health condition that may occur with it. […] Treatment for ADHD can reduce symptoms and improve functioning. The most common treatments for ADHD in adults are: Medication, usually stimulant medications; Psychotherapy, like behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapy. […] Effective treatment often involves a combination of elements.

• #36 Why an ADHD diagnosis can be a mixed blessing

  https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20241003-the-pros-and-cons-of-an-adult-diagnosis-with-adhd

  But there can also be some downsides to being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. […] In addition, it can be difficult for people diagnosed with ADHD later in life to accept that diagnosis, or its timing. […] While underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis with ADHD are widespread, there is also increasing concern about the potential for overdiagnosis. […] Advocates generally welcome today’s greater public awareness of adult ADHD, including through celebrity disclosures and social media information. Yet one consequence can be increased pressure on clinicians to make this diagnosis. […] It’s well established that medicine on its own is not enough for successful long-term management of ADHD. […] In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) as the primary psychotherapeutic treatment for adults with ADHD. […] Overall, „it’s not all downside,” says Messamore. ADHD can be associated with creativity, curiosity and attention to small details, which he calls „a spectacular recipe for many good things”.

• #37 Adult ADHD: Overdiagnosed? Or finally getting the attention it deserves? | AAMC

  https://www.aamc.org/news/adult-adhd-overdiagnosed-or-finally-getting-attention-it-deserves

  ADHD treatment often involves medication, but the type, dosing, and duration require careful thought. […] Cognitive behavioral therapy which addresses both attitudes and actions is considered the most effective counseling method for the condition. […] For one, two-thirds of providers who treat adults report being ill-equipped to address the condition. […] A key goal is educating providers trained back when ADHD was seen solely as a pediatric issue to identify and treat the condition in adults. […] The gap between adult and pediatric research funding is large: $5.5 million for the former versus $42 million for the latter, according to one estimate. […] Currently, diagnostic criteria tweak those that are crafted for children even though symptoms can appear quite different in adults.

• #38 Diagnosis pathways for Adult ADHD | ADHD UK

  https://adhduk.co.uk/diagnosis-pathways/

  Being diagnosed is the first step in helping yourself with ADHD and may unravel complex emotions. Many report that a diagnosis can both be a relief to know what has been challenging them but as well they feel upset to know that they have a mental health condition. It is important to remember that nothing has changed because of a diagnosis except that you are now empowered with the knowledge of it.

• #39 Why an ADHD diagnosis can be a mixed blessing

  https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20241003-the-pros-and-cons-of-an-adult-diagnosis-with-adhd

  For adults, an ADHD diagnosis can be life-saving. But it can also carry risks. […] In the UK and other countries, more adults have come to be diagnosed with ADHD in recent years, with demand exceeding what experts expected. Amid this development, there’s also a growing need for information about the nuances of the diagnosis. […] There are a number of reasons that ADHD is widely underdiagnosed, particularly in adults. ADHD is usually first diagnosed in childhood, and earlier diagnosis leads to better outcomes. It’s common for adults with undiagnosed ADHD to have spent a lifetime masking their behaviours. […] Overall, patients and researchers emphasise the many benefits of an accurate diagnosis of ADHD as an adult. […] Bjrk has worked with patients who were not diagnosed with ADHD until their 50s. She believes that even people in their later years may be able to gain valuable self-understanding from an ADHD diagnosis.

• #40 I think I have ADHD. How do I get a diagnosis, and what might it mean? – Monash Lens

  https://lens.monash.edu/@medicine-health/2022/09/27/1385084/i-think-i-have-adhd-how-do-i-get-a-diagnosis-what-might-it-mean-for-me

  As ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, evidence of the symptoms in childhood before age 12 is needed. […] Australias National Health and Medical Research Council has just approved an evidence-based clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in Australia, ahead of its release in October. […] Finally receiving an ADHD diagnosis for many is a positive, life-changing experience. […] However, diagnosis can allow you to access medication that, for most people, is effective in reducing the core symptoms of ADHD and can result in clarity and focus. […] An adult ADHD diagnosis can help you reject damaging self-beliefs. You may finally understand yourself as different, not defective, and see your strengths and value.

• #41 ADHD Symptom Management | University of Utah Health

  https://healthcare.utah.edu/hmhi/conditions/adhd

  If you have ADHD, it’s important to get an ADHD evaluation if you experience symptoms that affect your life and ability to function. […] The most important part of an ADHD screening is getting a thorough history of your symptoms. Your provider will ask multiple questions about your symptoms and may have you fill out questionnaires. […] During an ADHD evaluation as an adult, your provider will ask about what symptoms you experienced as a child and how those symptoms have changed over time. […] Your provider will also ask whether any ADHD symptoms continue into your adulthood or cause problems with work, relationships, or your ability to complete tasks at home. […] Experts say there is no evidence that cognitive tests can be solely used to reliably diagnose patients with ADHD. […] ADHD does not necessarily worsen with age. However, you may experience more or less difficulty with different ADHD symptoms as you get older. […] No, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it’s something you develop in early childhood. However, you may not get diagnosed until later in life.

• #42 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: Epidemiology, clinical features, assessment, and diagnosis – UpToDate

  https://www.uptodate.com/contents/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-in-adults-epidemiology-clinical-features-assessment-and-diagnosis

  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), one of the most common neuropsychiatric disorders of childhood and adolescence, often persists into adulthood. Studies have found that a majority of people diagnosed with ADHD in childhood continue to meet criteria for the disorder as adults. More recent studies have found that a substantial proportion of those with adult ADHD did not have the condition in childhood. ADHD in adulthood is associated with significant impairment in occupational, academic, and social functioning. […] ADHD in adults is characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and restlessness, resulting in functional impairment. Impairment in executive function is common. Emotional dysregulation is often seen in these patients. […] This topic discusses the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, course, assessment, and diagnosis of ADHD in adults. […] DIAGNOSIS: DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, Diagnostic interviews for ADHD in adults, Differential diagnosis.

• #43 Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosis, Management, and Treatment in the DSM-5 Era

  https://www.psychiatrist.com/pcc/adult-adhd-in-the-dsm-era/

  Adult ADHD is primarily treated with pharmacotherapy assisted by behavior interventions. […] Adult-specific guidelines may improve adult ADHD treatment. […] The successful diagnosis and management of adult ADHD require consideration of many facets including prior medical history and comorbid conditions and use of an individualized, evidence-based treatment approach. […] ADHD remains untreated and underdiagnosed in millions of adults in the United States, and adults with ADHD suffer the negative consequences with social dysfunction, educational and occupational underachievement, substance abuse, increased risk of motor vehicle accidents, and legal difficulties. […] While adult ADHD symptomatology differs from the canonical childhood presentations, adults respond well to the same classes of medication used to successfully treat children.

Zobacz więcej