Persisting Psychosocial Impairments in Adults Being Treated with Medication for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral condition in childhood.1 Of the 3–10% of children diagnosed with ADHD, it is thought that approximately one- to two-thirds (1–6% of the general population) will continue to have ADHD symptoms in adult life.1 • According to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fifth edition (DSM-5), ADHD is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.2 • In general, adults diagnosed with ADHD have been shown to have more impairments related to their work/school and social lives than matched samples of adults without ADHD.3–8 These impairments are key components of the diagnosis of ADHD, according to the DSM-5.2 Symptoms necessary for this diagnosis include impairments in interpersonal communication, irritability/mood lability, and cognition (including attention, executive function, or memory).2 • Various scales and instruments, such as the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Adult version (BRIEF-A) assessments or the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scale (BADDS), have also been used to assess the impairments in functioning commonly associated with ADHD.9–11