Adult ADHD: Spelling Out the Clinical Strategies!

Once thought to be a disease afflicting only children and adolescents, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is now recognized to persist into adulthood in an estimated 10% to 60% of cases. Displaying the hallmark symptoms of inattention, disorganization, distractibility, and impulsiveness, these adults-representing about 4% of the general population-are at increased risk of significant life impairments, including psychosocial dysfunction, psychiatric illness, drug and alcohol abuse, and school- and work-related problems. Clinicians who treat ADHD face a barrage of challenges, from skepticism about the validity of the diagnosis and the absence of established adult diagnostic criteria to a dearth of formal guidelines for adult management. "In this Medical Crossfire, we are going to spell out the clinical strategies for diagnosing and managing adult patients with ADHD," stated moderator Peter L. Salgo, MD. "To achieve that goal, we have convened a panel of national experts in psychology, psychopharmacology, and behavioral science".