Adult Attention Deficit Research Articles

Prevalence and Comorbidity of Adult Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Among the Patients Applying to Kocaeli University’s Psychiatry Polyclinic

The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of ADHD diagnosis among the patients applying to adult psychiatry polyclinic for the first time and to determine comorbid diseases among the patients diagnosed with ADHD. The present study was carried out on patients who applied to the Psychiatry Polyclinic in the Medical Faculty Hospital of Kocaeli University Turkey between 10.01.2018 and 03.01.2019, with 151 patients involved in this study. After providing the participating patients with a verbal and written briefing about the study, the Sociodemographic Information Form and AADHDS were given to the participants. DIVA2.0 Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview Scale and SCID-1 were implemented. As found in DIVA 2.0 ADHD Diagnostic Interview Form for Adults, 19.9% of 151 patients were diagnosed with adult ADHD, and 80.1% were not. Given SCID-1 diagnoses of patients, it was determined that, of the patients diagnosed with ADHD, 16.6% were diagnosed with depression, followed by generalized anxiety disorder (10%), and panic disorder and depression (10%), and that 13.3% of participants were not diagnosed with another disorder. Participants diagnosed with ADHD were found to have lower mean age. Prevalence of ADHD diagnosis was found to be lower among singles and students. The individuals diagnosed with ADHD were found to have a more prolonged education period. The prevalence of ADHD was higher among those who received a disciplinary punishment. Making an accurate diagnosis, designing an appropriate treatment, and determining the comorbidities of ADHD and with which psychiatric disorders it is confused would positively contribute to outcomes of treatments and increase the patients’ quality of life.

Mental illness and HIV amongst female inmates in Durban, South Africa.

BackgroundThere is limited data regarding the prevalence of mental illness and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) amongst female inmates in South Africa. Rehabilitation programmes can only be formulated once the needs of this population have been identified.AimThis study aimed to measure the prevalence of mental illnesses, borderline and antisocial personality disorders and HIV amongst female inmates.SettingThe study was based at a correctional centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.MethodsThis study forms part of a larger two-phased, mixed methods, sequential, explanatory design study. In phase one, 126 female inmates were interviewed using a clinical questionnaire and the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostics and Statistical Manual (DSM)-5 diagnoses – Research Version.ResultsThe following lifetime prevalence rates were found: depressive disorder 70.6%, alcohol use disorder 48.4%, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 46.8%, borderline personality disorder 33.3%, substance use disorder 31.7%, antisocial personality disorder 15.1% and psychotic disorder 4.8%. The prevalence of current adult attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder was 9.5%. A total of 39% of the participants admitted to past suicide attempts, whilst 64.3% reported past suicidal ideation and 36.5% had a current episode of a psychiatric disorder. A total of 64.3% of the participants were living with HIV. Although 90.4% had a lifetime psychiatric disorder, only 16.7% were previously diagnosed with a mental illness. The majority of inmates with lifetime disorders had psychiatric comorbidities.ConclusionThe high prevalence of mental illness and HIV amongst female inmates, and the fact that most with mental illness remain undiagnosed, is concerning. Improved screening, identification and treatment of mental illnesses in this population is needed to ensure optimal mental health outcomes and decreased recidivism.

Amphetamines in the treatment of adult attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and cocaine use disorder (CUD): The role of pharmacists

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This review paper outlines the role that pharmacists can play in monitoring amphetamine use, to reduce the possibility of medication abuse by those with ADHD and/or Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD). Because individuals with ADHD also struggle with impulsivity, they are more likely to abuse substances, particularly illegal stimulants (such as cocaine), in an effort to self-medicate. This article also reviews the pharmacokinetics of amphetamine derivatives as well as the evidence for their use to manage ADHD and CUD. Neuropharmacologically, the proposed mechanism of action of amphetamines in the treatment of CUD is also detailed. Finally, theimplications of these findings for pharmacy practice are discussed. The primary findings and principal conclusions are that amphetamines have been found to improve both ADHD and CUD symptomatology, primarily through increasing DA release from nerve terminals in the central nervous system, as well as increasing the release of NE and serotonin. Pharmacists can play an important role in monitoring use of these medications by working in collaboration with family physicians and psychiatrists to ensure that ADHD/CUD patients are taking their amphetamines as prescribed.

Klinik Olmayan Örneklemde Evlilik Uyumunun Erişkinlerde Görülen Dikkat Eksikliği Hiperaktivite Bozukluğu Belirtileri ve Çocukluk Çağı Ruhsal Travma Düzeyleri ile İlişkisi

The main aim of the current study is to examine the relationship between childhood trauma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in adulthood and marital adjustment. For this purpose, the role of ADHD symptoms in adulthood as a potential mediator of the relationship between childhood trauma and marital adjustment was tested. The study involved 301 participants (164 women and 137 men) who were married once and officially, for at least one year, aged 22-61, and had at least high school degree. A demographic information form, Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) were administered. Spearman Correlation Analysis and “PROCESS” macro developed by Hayes in regression analysis for the instrument variable were used to test the hypothesis. It’s depicted that there is a positive relationship between adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder symptoms and childhood trauma levels while there is a negative one between adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder symptoms and marital adjustment. The association between childhood trauma and marital adjustment is also identified as negative. It was indicated that there was a mediator role of adult attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder symptoms in relation to childhood trauma and marital adjustment. The results were found to be consistent with the literature in general and were discussed in the context of the literature.

Association analysis of four human dopamine pathway genes with adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in a population from Turkey

In this tudy, it was aimed to investigate the association/s between dopamine transporter gene (DAT1), dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1), dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2), dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3), dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene variants and adult Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A prospective analytical case control study. A total of 128 ADHD cases and 100 non-ADHD controls from Western population of Turkey were included in this study. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood. Genotype and allele frequency P-values were calculated by Chi square (c2) and Fisher Exact tests. Other statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS program version 20.0. The genotypes for the DAT1, DRD2, DRD3 and DRD4 variants were identified by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). 4R allele and 4R/4R genotype of Exon 3 VNTR polymorphism in the DRD4 gene were observed to be the most frequent one in both case and control groups. 4R allele was found to be statistically significant in ADHD group than the ones in control group (p=0.01). No statistical differences in the genotype and allele frequencies were observed between ADHD cases versus non-ADHD controls for DAT1, DRD2 and DRD3 polymorphisms. A statistically significant association was found only between DRD4 Exon 3 VNTR polymorphism and adult ADHD. However, to confirm that these gene variants contributes to ADHD and ADHD-subtypes, further studies with both higher population sizes and many candidate genes are needed to be investigated simultaneously.

Which clinical features are associated with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Findings from a survey among psychiatric outpatients

Which clinical features are associated with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder? Findings from a survey among psychiatric outpatients

The Effect of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder on Treatment Compliance in Individuals Undergoing Probation Addiction Program Treatment.

The social and legal problems caused by substance use necessitate compulsory treatment. Individuals with substance use disorder who also have attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more frequently prone to crime and more severe substance use. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ADHD on the treatment compliance. One hundred one patients who applied to the Probation Erenköy Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Training and Research Hospital, and who were determined to participate in the probation addiction program (PAP), were included. The participants were evaluated with a sociodemographic form, the Addiction Profile Index (API), The Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES), the Wender Utah Rating Scale, and the Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS), before commencing the PAP. The diagnosis of ADHD was confirmed by interview. After the PAP was completed, participants were re-evaluated Results: It was determined that 67.3% of the participants had ADHD and 41.2% of the patients with ADHD were noncompliant in completing the program. There was no statistically significant relationship between ADHD and treatment compliance. The SOCRATES total values at the beginning of treatment were significantly higher in patients with ADHD. The API total scores were significantly higher in the ADHD group before and after the program. Severe craving and severity of addiction were important factors that increased treatment noncompliance. ADHD is higher in the probation population and the severity of addiction is also higher, both before and after the program. Treatment motivation in patients with ADHD decreases toward the end of the program.

Response Inhibition and Interference Control in Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Among the executive functions affected in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), inhibitory control is one of the primary areas of impairment, characterized by components that include response inhibition and interference control. Determining the impaired inhibitory control components will be useful in the differential diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. The present study aimed to investigate response inhibition and interference control abilities of adults with ADHD. The study included 42 adults diagnosed with ADHD and 43 healthy controls. The stop-signal task (SST) and Stroop test were used for assessing the response inhibition and interference control, respectively. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used for comparing the ADHD and healthy control groups in terms of their SST and Stroop test scores, wherein the age and education level of the participants were taken as covariables. The relationship between SST and Stroop Test and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) was tested by Pearson correlation analysis. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparing the test scores between those who were administered with psychostimulants among the adults with ADHD and those who were not. Response inhibition was observed to be impaired in adults with ADHD compared with the healthy controls, whereas no difference regarding interference control was observed. As per the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), a weak and moderately negative relationship was found between the stop signal delay and the attentional, motor, non-planning scores, and total scores and a weak positive relationship was found between the stop-signal reaction time and the attentional, motor, non-planning scores, and total scores. A significant improvement was observed in the response inhibition skills of the adults with ADHD who had received methylphenidate treatment compared to those who had not, and the former also showed lower impulsivity levels as measured by the BIS-11. It should be noted that response inhibition and interference control, which are considered under the umbrella of inhibitory control, may exhibit different characteristics in adult individuals diagnosed with ADHD and this is important for differential diagnosis. An improvement was observed in the response inhibition of adults with ADHD caused by psychostimulant treatment, which was associated with positive outcomes that were also noticeable by the patients. Understanding the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of the condition would further facilitate the development of appropriate treatments.

Decreased psychiatric symptomatology after the onset of COVID-19 in a longitudinal college mental health study

The COVID-19 pandemic brings significant challenges for college students. This study aims to investigate changes in psychiatric symptomatology among them compared to the pre-pandemic period alongside their determinants. Data are collected before and 3 months after the onset of the pandemic from 168 students who applied to a college mental health center. Psychiatric symptomatology is assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Possible vulnerability factors are screened by a survey on COVID-19-related health and social isolation status, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Social Media Use Disorder Scale (SMDS), Distress Thermometer, Scoff Eating Questionnaire, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short-Form (IPAQ). Results show decreased PHQ-9, GAD-7, and ASRS scores at follow-up. Even though the screen time increases, SMDS scores significantly decline. SMDS have a direct effect on PHQ-9 and ASRS levels, in addition to an indirect effect through the Distress Thermometer. Higher SMDS scores predict higher anxious and depressive symptomatology in repeated assessments. Fear of COVID-19 scores have a direct effect on GAD-7 scores only. This study suggests that the stress level and psychiatric symptomatology of the students decreased significantly in the early phases of the pandemic. The level of social media use disorder should be taken into account while following college students with mental health symptoms.

Linguistic Equivalence, Validity and Reliability Study of the Mind Excessively Wandering Scale.

The main objective was to study the linguistic equivalence, validity and reliability of the transliterated Turkish version of Mind Excessively Wandering Scale (MEWS) developed by Prof. Philip Asherson in England (2016). Mind excessively wandering defines uncontrolled mental phenomena, which is proposed as the psychological counterpart of Default Mode Network in literature. Mind Excessively Wandering Scale, Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale have been used. The sample group consists of 64 patients previously diagnosed as adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder for validity, 60 students for transliteral equivalence, and 80 healthy controls for test re-test reliability. Transliteral equivalence study demonstrates that Turkish version of MEWS is highly correlated with the English version and is statistically significant. The sixth item in the scale was removed in order to ensure the consistency model established by LISREL in the validity study according to the confirmatory factor analysis. When the sixth item was excluded, it was concluded that the structure of the scale was compatible. In the reliability study of the MEWS, the Cronbach's alpha value (α) of the scale was found to be 0.826. It is seen that the item with the highest distinctiveness feature is Item-10 (0.618) and the item with the lowest distinctiveness feature is Item-5 (0.318). In the linguistic equivalence study, no statistical difference was found between the English form and the Turkish versions of the scale. As a result of the practical and statistical evaluations, our study demonstrated that the Turkish version of the MEWS is a valid and reliable measurement tool.

Investigation of the validity and reliability of the Turkish Form of the Adult Executive Functions Inventory (ADEXI)

This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish Version of the Adult Executive Functions Inventory (ADEXI), which was developed to evaluate the executive functions of adults. The study sample consisted of 330 university students aged between 18 and 30 (M = 20.59, SD =1.84). The participants filled out the Demographics Form, Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, Barrat Impulsivity Scale, Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale, and the Turkish version of ADEXI. The two-factor structure (working memory and inhibition) in the original version of the scale was confirmed by second-level confirmatory factor analysis. ADEXI's association with other measurement tools were also observed. Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficients for the total score of the scale and for the working memory and inhibition dimensions were calculated as .80, .83, and 73, respectively. Moreover, Gutman's two-half reliability coefficients for the total score of the scale and working memory and inhibition dimensions were calculated as .75, .81, and .69, respectively. Our results showed that the Turkish version of ADEXI is a valid and reliable measurement tool that can be used to evaluate two dimensions of executive functions, working memory and inhibition.

Rise in referrals for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessment during the Greater Sydney lockdown

Rise in referrals for adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder assessment during the Greater Sydney lockdown

Assessment of Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Case-Control Study.

To assess retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness using optical coherence tomography in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder adults on regular methylphenidate treatment, comparing them to healthy controls. A total of 33 attention deficit hyperactivity disorder adults and 31 healthy subjects, matched for age, gender, and education (control group), were included in this study. Retinal nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness of both eyes were measured using optical coherence tomography, and symptom severity was evaluated using Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale and Wender Utah Rating Scale. There was no significant difference in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness between the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and control groups (P > .05). Thinner ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer total (P = .044), inferior (P = .012), and inferior nasal quadrant thickness (P = .049) were observed in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder patients as compared to the controls. Findings detected thinner ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer in some quadrants of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder adults, indicating an early disorder in retinal structure development. Whether retinal structures are sensitive attention deficit hyperactivity disorder biomarkers should be supported and investigated in future multimodal studies.

Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness and Its Relationship With Executive Functions in Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Patients.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) with controls in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to examine the relationship between RNFL thickness and the level of performance in disease severity and executive function tests in ADHD cases. MethodsThe study included 38 volunteer patients diagnosed with ADHD and 30 healthy volunteers. Adult ADHD self-report scale was used for ADHD symptom severity. Executive functions were evaluated by Digit Span Test, Verbal Fluency Test, Stroop Test, and Trail Making Test. RNFL thickness of all participants was evaluated using optical coherence tomography (OCT). ResultsIn the comparison of RNFL values, it was found that right mean, right temporal, right temporal inferior, left mean, left nasal, and left nasal inferior quadrant values were statistically thinner in ADHD cases compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between the mean RNFL thickness values of the right and left eyes of ADHD cases and the symptom severity and performance levels in executive function tests. ConclusionThis study is a guide in terms of being the first study investigating the relationship between RNFL thickness, symptom severity, and various neuropsychological tests in adults with ADHD.

Brain Relatively Inert Network: Taking Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as an Example.

Resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) has been increasingly applied in the research of brain cognitive science and psychiatric diseases. However, previous studies only focused on specific activation areas of the brain, and there are few studies on the inactivation areas. This may overlook much information that explains the brain’s cognitive function. In this paper, we propose a relatively inert network (RIN) and try to explore its important role in understanding the cognitive mechanism of the brain and the study of mental diseases, using adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as an example. Here, we utilize methods based on group independent component analysis (GICA) and t-test to identify RIN and calculate its corresponding time series. Through experiments, alterations in the RIN and the corresponding activation network (AN) in adult ADHD patients are observed. And compared with those in the left brain, the activation changes in the right brain are greater. Further, when the RIN functional connectivity is introduced as a feature to classify adult ADHD patients from healthy controls (HCs), the classification accuracy rate is 12% higher than that of the original functional connectivity feature. This was also verified by testing on an independent public dataset. These findings confirm that the RIN of the brain contains much information that will probably be neglected. Moreover, this research provides an effective new means of exploring the information integration between brain regions and the diagnosis of mental illness.

Emotional dysregulation and health related quality of life in young adults with ADHD: a cross sectional study

ObjectiveAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is associated with emotional dysregulation (ED) and impaired health related quality of life (HRQoL). However, the role of ED in explaining the relationship between ADHD and HRQoL is unclear. The purpose of the present study was to do so in a sample of non-referred young adults with and without ADHD.MethodThe study design was cross-sectional. A non-clinical sample of 63 young adults with ADHD (mean age = 24.86 years, SD = 3.25, 78% university students) and 69 gender-matched controls (mean age = 23.84 years, SD = 2.59, 89% university students) were recruited. The Adult ADHD Quality-of-Life scale was used to measure HRQoL; The Self-Report Wender–Reimherr Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Scale and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale were used to measure ED. Group differences on all measures were tested using univariate and multivariate analyses of covariance, while controlling for age. Finally, a moderation analysis was used in order to examine the impact of ED on HRQoL beyond that accounted for by ADHD symptoms.ResultsBoth HRQoL and ED were significantly worse for the ADHD group compared to the control group. The medication status of the ADHD group participants had no significant effect on the level of ADHD symptoms, ED or HRQoL. ED moderated the effect of ADHD symptoms on HRQoL for the ADHD group.ConclusionThe findings support the centrality of ED in ADHD and its crucial influence on HRQoL. Young adults with ADHD and high levels of ED are at risk for aversive impact on their well-being regardless of their ADHD symptoms level.

Dynamic Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis and Oxidative DNA Damage in Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

ObjectiveInsufficient number of oxidative stress studies have been conducted in patients with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The objective of the current study is to examine the thiol/disulfide homeostasis as well as oxidative DNA damage levels in adult ADHD patients and to compare them with the results of healthy control subjects.MethodsThe study was inclusive of forty-nine patients who were diagnosed with adult ADHD, as well as thirty-three healthy volunteers to be used as the control group. The diagnosis of the patients was conducted according to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria. Blood were stored under appropriate laboratory conditions. For the purpose of detecting the oxidative DNA damage level, an extraction of genomic DNA from leukocytes was carried out, and furthermore the levels of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), apart from deoxyguanosine, were measured accordingly.ResultsTotal thiol and the native thiol levels were observed to be statistically lower in adult ADHD patients as compared to the subjects in the healthy control group (p = 0.001). It was observed that the disulfide levels were higher in adult ADHD patients as compared to the healthy control subjects (p = 0.001). In addition, the levels of 8-OHdG, which are considered as a marker for assessing DNA damage, were found to be significantly lower in the control group as compared to the adult ADHD patients (p = 0.001).ConclusionIt was observed that the thiol/disulfide homeostasis had shifted towards disulfide, and 8-OHdG levels were increased in adult ADHD patients.

SPECT Functional Neuroimaging Distinguishes Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder From Healthy Controls in Big Data Imaging Cohorts.

Background: The diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) relies on history and observation, as no reliable biomarkers have been identified. In this study, we compared a large single diagnosis group of patients with ADHD (combined, inattentive, and hyperactive) to healthy controls using brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging to determine specific brain regions which could serve as potential biomarkers to reliably distinguish ADHD.Methods: In a retrospective analysis, subjects (n = 1,135) were obtained from a large multisite psychiatric database, where resting state (baseline) and on-task SPECT scans were obtained. Only baseline scans were analyzed in the present study. Subjects were separated into two groups – Group 1 (n = 1,006) was composed of patients who only met criteria for ADHD with no comorbid diagnoses, while a control group (n = 129) composed of individuals who did not meet criteria for any psychiatric diagnosis, brain injury, or substance use served as a non-matched control. SPECT regions of interests (ROIs) and visual readings were analyzed using binary logistic regression. Predicted probabilities from this analysis were inputted into a Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis to identify sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.Results: The baseline ROIs and visual readings show significant separations from healthy controls. Sensitivity of the visual reads was 100% while specificity was >97%. The sensitivity and specificity of the post-hoc ROI analysis were both 100%. Decreased perfusion was primarily seen in the orbitofrontal cortices, anterior cingulate gyri, areas of the prefrontal cortices, basal ganglia, and temporal lobes. In addition, ROI analysis revealed some unexpected areas with predictive value in distinguishing ADHD, such as cerebellar subregions and portions of the temporal lobes.Conclusions: Brain perfusion SPECT distinguishes adult ADHD patients without comorbidities from healthy controls. Areas which were highly significantly different from control and thus may serve as biomarkers in baseline SPECT scans included: medial anterior prefrontal cortex, left anterior temporal lobe, and right insular cortex. Future studies of these potential biomarkers in ADHD patients with comorbidities are warranted.

Nano-processed CBG/CBD effect on pain, adult attention deficit hyperactive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome

Nano-processed CBG/CBD effect on pain, adult attention deficit hyperactive disorder, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue syndrome

Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: principles of diagnosis and treatment

Monika Jasinskaitė1, Rasa Saulytė1, Vytautas Steponavičius1, Justinas Balčiūnas1, Brigita Baks2 1Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Academy of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania 2 Vilnius City Mental Health Center, Vilnius University, Faculty of Medicine, Clinic of Psychiatry, Vilnius, Lithuania Abstract Introduction. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) most commonly occurs in childhood but may persist into adulthood [1]. Nearly 60% of patients diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, symptoms persist into adulthood [2]. Significant differences in the symptoms, diagnosis, and management of ADHD in children and adults. For a variety of reasons, adult ADHD is a disorder that has not been thoroughly evaluated by psychiatrists. The diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD in Lithuania are not widely applied and regulated [1]. Aim: to select and analyze current literature data presenting clinic, diagnostics and recommendations for the treatment of adult ADHD. Methodology: a systematic review of the literature was conducted based on the scientific database PubMed, a selection of 3 advisory years of publications addressing the problem of adult ADHD. Results. A systematic analysis of the literature provides the main clinic, diagnostic and treatment recommendations for adult ADHD. 167 bibliographic records were identified during the search. Selected articles by title and summary. Publications were selected according to exclusion and inclusion criteria. 27 publications identified that met the criteria and the aim of the work. Conclusions. The most common symptoms in adults with ADHD are difficulty in planning and organizing their daily activities, impulsivity, and restlessness. In addition, adults are characterized by comorbid mental illness. Treatment for ADHD is complex and includes medical treatment, psychotherapy, learning life skills, and assistance in integrating into a study or work environment. Keywords: dysfunction; attention-deficit; hyperactivity; adults.