Treating adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in hospitalized psychiatric patients.
OBJECTIVE
We intend to review the importance of appropriately recognizing and managing attention deficit/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) in the acute psychiatric hospital setting.


METHODS
We demonstrate the management of three patients with associated ADD/ADHD diagnosis in the hospital setting. This case series is followed by a review of the literature on the treatment of ADD/ADHD with particular focus on inpatient treatment.


RESULTS
Given that the core symptoms of ADD/ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, poor concentration, impulsivity, poor organization and emotional instability, it follows that a comprehensive inpatient treatment plan should address these issues in order to obtain sustained, focused participation on the part of the patient. Suppression of ADD/ADHD symptoms with stimulants greatly enhanced our patients' ability to more productively and actively participate in the treatment of the acute psychiatric problems which led to their admission.


CONCLUSIONS
Currently, no published data exist on prevalence of ADD/ADHD in psychiatric hospitals, rates of treatment and outcome of treatment with regard to recovery and quality of aftercare. Nonetheless, the benefits of treating ADD/ADHD among psychiatric inpatients may be seen in case examples and are also apparent in the data concerning treatment of ADD/ADHD in the dually diagnosed.
Castaneda
Ricardo
R
Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA. ricardo.castaneda@nyumc.org
Levy
Robert
R
Hazzi
Charles
C
Ross
Stephen
S
Roman
William
W
Hamid
Hamada
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D017831:Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry); D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D008774:Methylphenidate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011437:Propylamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D011437:Propylamines; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs; D008774:Methylphenidate; D000069445:Atomoxetine Hydrochloride