Structure and Diagnosis of Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Although the diagnostic criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were originally developed for children,^1,2 the prevalence, consequences, and responsiveness to treatment of ADHD in adults are now well documented.^3-8 We also know that the clinical profile and manifestations of ADHD evolve with age,^9-11 raising questions about the stability of ADHD symptoms across time and the most appropriate diagnostic criteria for adults. Many studies^12-19 have found that symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (IM) decline with age, although they persist in some cases and sometimes are the presenting concerns in adult ADHD, whereas deficits in attention persist and become more varied in adult cases. These results raise the possibility that the symptoms of adult ADHD might profitably be modified in upcoming DSM-V and ICD-11 revisions.