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Adult ADHD: a controversial diagnosis?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Aiveen Kirley  and
Michael Fitzgerald
Aiveen Kirley
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
Michael Fitzgerald
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
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Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity with onset in children before the age of seven years. ADHD is the most common disorder presenting to child guidance clinics and has been shown to be a well-validated diagnosis. Current estimates of prevalence range from 1%5%. The concept of adult ADHD as a clinical entity is an emerging but controversial area in psychiatry. While childhood ADHD is accepted as a reliable and valid diagnosis, the validity of adult ADHD as a disorder is unclear. This paper reviews the likely presenting features of adult ADHD and common comorbid disorders. Guidelines for assessment and management are discussed and the evidence for validity of the diagnosis is critically examined.

Keywords

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderAdultDiagnosisValidity
Type
Review
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 19 , Issue 3 , September 2002 , pp. 86 - 91
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2002

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