Adults with deficit disorder are ‘often’ misdiagnosed
As many as 15% to 65% of children diagnosed with ADHD still have symptoms in adulthood.
The claims were made in a British Journal of Psychiatry editorial which called for adults suffering from the disorder to be properly identified and treated with the right drugs.
Professor Philip Asherson, from the Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry in London, was one of the co-authors.
He said: “Although ADHD can be effectively treated with stimulant medication, and such treatment is widespread in the young, general adult psychiatry has not yet followed suit in identifying and treating substantial numbers of affected people.
“Young people are entering adult life whilst still receiving medication for ADHD and adult psychiatrists are needed to take over treatment when symptoms persist.
“Moreover, some adult patients with ADHD may be misdiagnosed and ineffectively treated for other disorders, such as depression and personality disorder.”
ADHD affects both children and adults and symptoms include high levels of inattentiveness, impulsiveness and restless activity.
Adults suffering from severe ADHD show signs of depression when inactive, a lack of concentration, poor time management and difficulty sustaining relationships.
Prof Asherson said identifying ADHD took more than a one-off consultation.
“Psychiatrists diagnosing ADHD in adults need to be aware of the fact that people with this disorder often show decreased symptoms in a novel situation like a psychiatric evaluation. It is therefore important to base mental state evaluations on a typical week,” he said.
ADHD also caused alcohol and drug misuse, anxiety disorders and learning difficulties, the professor said.
