Stimulant treatment of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Though only recently recognized as a valid disorder in adults, the clinical picture of adult ADHD is highly reminiscent of childhood ADHD,with continued associated occupational failure and academic deficits. Similarly, many adults with ADHD suffer from antisocial, depressive, and anxiety disorders. Recent work clearly documents that when therapeutic doses of MPH and amphetamine treatment are used in the treatment of adults with ADHD, they can lead to a robust clinical response that is highly consistent with that observed in pediatric studies using equipotent daily doses. As in childhood ADHD, medication remains a key component of treatment for adults with ADHD. More studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of stimulants over the long-term and their impact on quality of life.