Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults

Physician instruction to patients should address the following issues:

• Education regarding the importance of adherence to prescribed medication and/or therapy groups

• Advice on the higher incidence of road traffic accidents in people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and the fact that effective treatment appears to reduce this risk.[71]Barkley RA, Cox D. A review of driving risks and impairments associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and the effects of stimulant medication on driving performance. J Safety Res. 2007;38(1):113-28. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17303170?tool=bestpractice.com [149]Chang Z, Quinn PD, Hur K, et al. Association between medication use for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and risk of motor vehicle crashes. JAMA Psychiatry. 2017 Jun 1;74(6):597-603. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5539840 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28492937?tool=bestpractice.com [150]Jerome L, Habinski L, Segal A. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and driving risk: a review of the literature and a methodological critique. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2006 Oct;8(5):416-26. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16968625?tool=bestpractice.com

• Advice on structuring activities and routine with planning, reminders, and memory aids and avoidance of settings that may provide excessive environmental stimuli

• Advice to get enough rest and eat well to maintain cognitive vigilance with sleep hygiene advice

• Education on the risks of excessive alcohol use, any substance use, and misuse of prescribed medication

• Use of a mentor.

  • Children and adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (CHADD) Opens in new window

  • Helpguide.org: adult ADD/ADHD Opens in new window

  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Opens in new window