Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2010 Sep;122(5):97-109.
doi: 10.3810/pgm.2010.09.2206.

Understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from childhood to adulthood

Timothy E Wilens  1 , Thomas J Spencer
Affiliations
Review

Understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder from childhood to adulthood

Timothy E Wilens et al. Postgrad Med. 2010 Sep.

Abstract

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is among the most common neurobehavioral disorders requiring treatment in children and adolescents. The disorder is often chronic, with prominent symptoms and impairment spanning into adulthood. It is often associated with co-occurring disorders, including disruptive, mood, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. The diagnosis of ADHD is clinically established by review of symptoms and impairment. The biological underpinning of the disorder is supported by genetic, neuroimaging, neurochemistry, and neuropsychological data. All aspects of an individual's life need to be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Multimodal treatment includes educational, family, and individual support. Psychotherapy alone and in combination with medication is helpful for treating patients with ADHD and comorbid disorders. Pharmacotherapy, including stimulants, noradrenergic agents, α-agonists, and antidepressants, plays a fundamental role in the long-term management of ADHD.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. ADHD Screener
Figure 2
Figure 2. CV Screener
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Greenhill LL, Pliszka S, Dulcan MK, et al. Practice parameter for the use of stimulant medications in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 2002 Feb;41(2 Suppl):26S–49S. - PubMed
    1. Clinical practice guideline: treatment of the school-aged child with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pediatrics. 2001 Oct;108(4):1033–1044. - PubMed
    1. Biederman J, Monuteaux M, Mick E, et al. Young Adult Outcome of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Controlled 10 year Follow-Up Study. Psychological Medicine. 2006;36:167–179. - PubMed
    1. Swanson J, Lerner M, Gupta S, Shoulson I, Wigal S. Development of a new once-a-day formulation of methylphenidate for the treatment of ADHD: Proof of concept and proof of product studies. Archives of General Psychiatry. 2003;60(2):204–211. - PubMed
    1. Barkley R. Major life activity and health outcomes associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2002;63(Supp 12):10–15. - PubMed

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances