Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and hyperkinetic disorder are well-established diag noses in children, with estimates of prevalence in pre-adolescent children from 3 to 5%. Until recently ADHD was not thought to persist beyond adoles cence, but results from long-term prospective outcome studies indicate that 30-70% of children with ADHD exhibit some symptoms as adults. Recognition of this disorder is important as the persistence of ADHD symptoms has been shown to be associated with academic and occupational failure and high rates of psychiatric comorbidity. With the establishment of a UK support group (LADDER) and increasing media attention high lighting this problem it is likely that there will be an increased demand for psychiatric assessment of adult ADHD in the next few years.