title: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: evidence-based recommendations for management.
abstract: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with impairments in educational, occupational, neuropsychological, and social functioning in adults. Successful diagnosis and treatment of the disorder in adults can be a challenge because recent and integrative clinical guidelines are lacking and diagnostic criteria are based on making a retrospective diagnosis of childhood-onset ADHD. To develop evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of ADHD in adults, the scientific literature was reviewed, including primary clinical studies, meta-analyses, and available clinical guidelines. Studies show that stimulant therapy is highly effective and safe in the management of ADHD in adults, with similar response rates to those reported in children at doses that are equivalent on a mg/kg basis. Long-acting stimulants, such as OROS methylphenidate (OROS MPH, Concerta), dexmethylphenidate (d-MPH, Focalin), and mixed amphetamine salts extended release (MAS XR, Adderall XR), have durations of action of up to 10 to 12 hours, which permit once-daily dosing. For adults with ADHD who do not respond to stimulant therapy or who have a comorbid condition in which a stimulant is contraindicated, the nonstimulant atomoxetine (Strattera) may be an appropriate alternative. For many adults, cognitive-behavioral therapy in addition to pharmacotherapy may improve treatment response. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder medications may increase blood pressure and heart rate in adults, so patients should be monitored.
authors.affiliation: Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. rostain@mail.med.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Anthony L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Rostain
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic
chemical_list: D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants