ADHD : from childhood into adulthood

Abstract

This is an overview of the some of the most recent and seminal research done on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD). ADHD is currently one of the most common reasons for referral to child mental health services and still is under-recognised both in children (5.29%) and adults (2.5%). ADHD is a highly heritable disorder with a mulitifactorial pattern of inheritance. Parents, siblings and parents of a child with ADHD are 4-5 times more likely to have ADHD. Environmental factors also play a role in elucidating this disorder. Untreated ADHD leads to numerous co-morbidities, and longer term morbidity. Methylphenidate is suggested as the first line pharmacological treatment. ADHD is easy to treat, 80% of correctly diagnosed patients (children or adults) respond favourably to methylphenidate. All child and general adult psychiatrists should be aware of this disorder, comfortable with making the diagnosis and treating adults with ADHD. The purpose of the overview is to cover the epidemiology, aetiology, diagnostic criteria and different managements of ADHD.