Management of ADHD in adults.
Although first identified in children in the 19th century, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults was not described in the literature until 1976. The symptoms of adult ADHD resemble the symptoms of childhood ADHD, but symptom intensity, especially hyperactivity, may decrease over time. However, due to the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood, a normal day is extremely complicated for the ADHD adult. Molecular genetics and neuroimaging studies confirm that ADHD is a heterogeneous, neurobiological disorder, mainly of dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways. Trials of pharmacologic treatments in adults with ADHD have produced mixed results due to considerable variability in diagnostic criteria, dosing, and response. This article reviews the history, neurobiology, and pharmacologic management of adult ADHD.
Adler
Lenard A
LA
Department of Clinical Psychiatry and Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, 530 First Avenue, Suite 5A, New York, NY 10016, USA. lenard.adler@med.nyu.edu
Chua
Hong C
HC
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000662:Amphetamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001921:Brain / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D018678:Cholinergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D006801:Humans; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010389:Pemoline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014055:Tomography, Emission-Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000662:Amphetamines; D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D018678:Cholinergic Agents; D008774:Methylphenidate; C043437:fluorodopa F 18; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine; D010389:Pemoline