Adult Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Clinically Focused Recommendations

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with co-occurring psychopathology, a lower quality of life, and a reduction in life expectancy for adults. The goal of the present review for practicing clinicians is to discuss the experiences of adults with ADHD and the assessment and treatment of adult ADHD. Practicing clinicians who have clients seeking an evaluation for ADHD in adulthood and/or clients who are pursuing treatment must manage several considerations, including an adult-onset ADHD, where ADHD symptoms that were not present in childhood emerge in adulthood. Furthermore, adults are well-known to find information about ADHD from social media, popular press, and other potentially misleading or incomplete sources. For the evaluation of adult ADHD, clinicians should utilize a multi-trait method and should encourage clients to pursue evidence-based psychotropic and psychosocial interventions for effective symptom management.