ADHD - ADHD during adulthood

5 important questions on ADHD - ADHD during adulthood

Adult onset ADHD

54-87.4% of the adult cases had no impairments before the age of 12. this may be due to the later development of the prefrontal cortex.

ADHD diagnosis in older populations

it can be hard to diagnose ADHD in the older population. There are often no records of their childhood behaviour, and it is difficult to distinquish it from normal cognitive decline.

The clinical approach:
  1. Are the target symptoms still present in adulthood?
  2. Were the target symptoms present during childhood?
  3. Do the symptoms cause significant functional impairment?
  4. Are the symptoms better explained by encironmental circumstances or another disorder?
  5. Is ADHD present among relatives?

a lack of treatment can result in psychosocial provlems
a misdiagnosis can lead to drugabuse   

Comorbidity and concequences of ADHD

  • Has a high comorbidity with ASS, communocation and learning disorders, tic disorders, DCD, and tic disorders.
  • It is often associated with intellectually gifted adults. 

in adults
  • mood disorders, substance abuse, bipolar disorders, control and eating disorders.
  • associated with problems in the activities of daily living (ADL)
  • higher divorce rates
  • greater risk of criminal activities
  • ADHD has a substantial economic impact.

A link between dementia and ADHD has not been proven, but a dew studies suggest that they are more vulnerable for neurodegenerative disorders such as LBD, parkinsons and posterior cortical atrophy. 
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Neuropsychological profiles of adult ADHD

  • executive problems
  • attentional problems
  • memory problems

Treatment of adult ADHD

  1. interventions (CBT)
  2. methylphenidate
  3. Atomoxetine
  4. antidepressants


Not much is known about the long-term effects of treatments or the effectiveness for adults. Proof for the beneficial effects come from observational studies

Treatment is associated with a better ADL compared to no treatment at all.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

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