The adult patient who presents for psychiatric evaluation with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) poses specific challenges to the treating psychiatrist. Symptoms include trouble focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsive behavior. Patients may experience behavioral, mood, and cognitive issues. Co-occurrence of anxiety, boredom, sleep deprivation, or mood dysregulation may be reported. In addition, patients may have associated learning disabilities, either identified or undiagnosed. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Many adults are unaware that they have ADHD, but they are acutely aware that they have everyday challenges. This article reviews the treatment dynamics created by the adult patient with a diagnosis of ADHD, as well as the evidence-based approaches that the psychiatrist can utilize in a psychotherapy setting.
Keywords: ADHD; Psychiatry; adult ADHD; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; hyperactivity; impulsivity; pharmacologic treatment; psychotherapy; stimulants.
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