Therapeutic Aspects and Diagnosis of the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder—ADHD in Adults

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by difficulties in modulating attention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. It is a very common disorder in childhood compromising school performance, hampering interpersonal relationships and causing low self-esteem that can continue in adult life and bring even more damage to the execution of routine activities in patients lives. The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is through psychostimulant drugs, however, association with other therapies is important to ameliorate the symptoms of hyperactivity. There by the treatment should be multidisciplinary, where several professionals with the family should be accompanying and treating individuals with ADHD. The objective of this study was to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and the contribution of knowledge acquisition on the nuances in the diagnosis of ADHD in adults even during medical training and multidisciplinary therapeutic procedures to improve the symptoms of adult patients with ADHD. It is concluded that the pharmacological treatment is quite effective, mainly regarding the use of methylphenidate as psychostimulant, presenting a very satisfactory profile of side effects. In some individuals with the disorder, pharmacological treatment is not sufficient because the symptoms persist or there are comorbidities. In these cases, multidisciplinary treatment with psychopharmaceuticals, psychotherapies, school and family follow-up is necessary to alleviate symptoms, leading individuals with ADHD to participate in activities common to all in the family and in society, thus preventing conduct disorders and delinquency. Therefore, the early diagnosis of ADHD with a correct treatment institution is essential for a better prognosis of the patient.