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Visual Abstract
Presenting ADHD symptoms, subtypes, and comorbid disorders in clinically referred adults with ADHD
ADHD in Adults: Symptoms, Types, and Co-occurring Disorders
Wilens TE, Biederman J, Faraone SV, Martelon M, Westerberg D, Spencer TJ
Summarized by:
January 1, 2024
study source
J Clin Psychiatry
2009 Nov
ADHD in Adults: Symptoms, Types, and Co-occurring Disorders
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What they studied
How does ADHD present in adults, and what are the subtypes and comorbid disorders?
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What they found
Most adults with ADHD show inattentive symptoms. Combined subtype is common and has more psychiatric comorbidities.
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Why it matters
These findings highlight the importance of recognizing inattentive ADHD symptoms in adults for better diagnosis and treatment.
Objectives
The paper examines the increasing presence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Many healthcare professionals hesitate to assess adults for ADHD, partly because there's not much data on how ADHD appears in adulthood. This study pays special attention to the high rates of other mental health issues that occur alongside ADHD in adults, which can make ADHD symptoms last longer and be more severe. This is important because understanding these symptoms and their combinations can help in diagnosing and treating ADHD more effectively.
Study Quote
Despite the increasing presentation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, many practitioners remain reluctant to assess individuals for ADHD, in part related to the relative lack of data on the presenting symptoms of ADHD in adulthood. Comorbidity among adults wit...
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Methods
In this study, 107 adults with ADHD, almost evenly split between males and females, with an average age of about 37 years, were assessed. The researchers used structured interviews and the DSM-IV, a guide for mental health conditions, to identify different types of ADHD in these adults. This study was conducted between 1998 and 2003.
Study Quote
We assessed 107 adults with ADHD of both sexes (51% female; mean +/- SD of 37 +/- 10.4 years) using structured diagnostic interviews. Using DSM-IV symptoms, we determined DSM-IV subtypes. The study was conducted from 1998 to 2003.
Results
The study found that over 90% of these adults mostly showed signs of inattention. Regarding the types of ADHD in these adults, 62% had combined symptoms (both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity), 31% had only inattention, and 7% had only hyperactivity/impulsivity.
62% have combined subtype, 31% inattentive only, 7% hyperactive/impulsive only.
23% severe, 51% moderate, 26% mild impairment in the past month.
Adults with combined symptoms also had more other mental health issues compared to those with just inattentive symptoms. Interestingly, women and men showed similar ADHD symptoms, although women were more likely to report being forgetful.
Study Quote
Inattentive symptoms were most frequently endorsed (> 90%) in adults with ADHD. Using current symptoms, 62% of adults had the combined subtype, 31% the inattentive only subtype, and 7% the hyperactive/impulsive only subtype. Adults with the combined subtype had relatively more psychiatri...
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Conclusions
The paper concludes that adults with ADHD mainly show inattentive symptoms. The combined subtype, where a person shows both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, is more common and is linked with a greater number of other mental health issues. This highlights the need for careful assessment of inattentive symptoms when evaluating adults for ADHD.
Study Quote
Adults with ADHD have prominent inattentive symptoms of ADHD, necessitating careful questioning of these symptoms when evaluating these individuals.
Key Takeaways
Inattentive Symptoms Predominant
Inattentive symptoms are the most common in adults with ADHD, stressing the need for careful symptom assessment.
Combined Subtype More Common
The combined subtype of ADHD, showing both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, is more frequent in adults.
Gender Similarity in Symptoms
Men and women with ADHD exhibit similar symptom patterns, suggesting consistent diagnostic criteria for both.
Context
A study in Australia found that 7.5% of children and adolescents had ADHD, with the combined type being the most common and most affecting social interactions. Another study explored whether adults with different ADHD subtypes have distinct working memory issues. It found that both subtypes had similar working memory weaknesses. These studies, alongside the current one, provide a broader understanding of how ADHD subtypes manifest across different age groups and their impact on individuals' lives.