Academic Highlights August 31, 2008

ADHD and Comorbid Disorders in Adults

Lenard A. Adler, M.D.; Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D.; Jeffrey H. Newcorn, M.D.

J Clin Psychiatry 2008;69(8):1328-1335

Article Abstract

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In the United States, approximately 4.4% of adults have attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the average worldwide prevalence in adults is about 3.4%. However, in the United States, only about 1 in 10 adults with ADHD is currently treated specifically for ADHD. Adults with ADHD are likely to have adaptive impairments, evidenced by educational difficulties, a history of erratic employment, relationship and marital difficulties, credit or money problems, driving problems, risky sexual behavior, early parenthood, legal difficulties, poor physical health, and substance abuse problems.