Is Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Being Overdiagnosed?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: overdiagnosed or diagnoses missed?

The prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is about 5% of the child population, and it carries risks for mental health, educational and personal dysfunction, antisociality and death. The diagnosis in practice is made with remarkable differences in frequency between nations. Low rates in the UK, by comparison with research estimates, suggest that the condition may often be missed...

Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and adult mortality.

This study examines the relationship between self-reported ADHD and adult mortality over a four-year period, and whether ADHD is associated with underlying cause of death (accidents versus all others). If ADHD increases mortality risk through accidents, then interventions may be designed and implemented to reduce risk and prevent premature death. We estimate descriptive statistics and multivari...

Assessment of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

A 27-year-old man was referred by his family doctor to the screening clinic to be evaluated for adult attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The patient did not have a history of diagnosed childhood ADHD; however, he mentioned that he always had difficulty with his emotions, fluctuating moods and long periods of restlessness and sadness. He also said people often remarked that he was...

Comorbidity in Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

In cross-sectional studies, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults has been linked to the presence of several other psychiatric disorders. This diagnostic comorbidity is consistently found for antisocial personality disorder and also substance use disorders. There is great divergence in reports of comorbid anxiety and mood disorders. Quality of designs varies widely, limiting...