Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Adolescents: A Review of the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Clinical Implications

Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental disorder in childhood, and primary care clinicians provide a major component of the care for children with ADHD. However, because of limited available evidence, the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines did not include adolescents and young adults. Contrary to previous beliefs, it has become clear that, in most cases, ADHD does not resolve once children enter puberty. This article reviews the current evidence about the diagnosis and treatment of adolescents and young adults with ADHD and describes how the information informs practice. It describes some of the unique characteristics observed among adolescents, as well as how the core symptoms change with maturity. The diagnostic process is discussed, as well as approaches to the care of adolescents to improve adherences. Both psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions are reviewed, and there is a discussion of these patients' transition into young adulthood. The article also indicates that research is needed to identify the unique adolescent characteristics of ADHD and effective psychosocial and pharmacologic treatments.

Association between symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and bulimic behaviors in a clinical sample of severely obese adolescents

“…We found that the CPRS-ADHD index (which measures hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention) was not associated with age. This is in agreement with the notion that, although hyperactivity may be less evident when children with ADHD grow up, 49 they may still present with impairing ADHD symptoms. However, as we evaluated a sample of adolescent subjects, we cannot exclude that age would have been significantly associated with ADHD symptoms in a sample including younger children.…”

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Other Mental Health Problems, Substance Use, and Driving: Examination of a Population-Based, Representative Canadian Sample

“…Goodman 2007;Hechtman et al 1984;Secnik et al 2005;Weiss et al 1985;Wolraich et al 2005;Young et al 2003).…”

“…Studies of adults with ADHD have also found higher rates of alcohol and drug use and problems when compared with control samples (Brassett-Harknett and Butler 2007;Goodman 2007;Kessler et al 2006;Secnik et al 2005;Wolraich et al 2005;Young et al 2003). …”

“…Research has generally found evidence of improved driving among adolescent and adult drivers with ADHD medication use (Cox et al 2000(Cox et al , 2006Hechtman et al 1984;Sobanski et al 2008;Wolraich et al 2005). One follow-up study of adults who had been diagnosed with ADHD as children found that those who had received medication in childhood for their ADHD reported fewer collisions as adults compared to those who went untreated or to non-ADHD controls.…”

Supporting Autonomy Development in Teens with ADHD: How Professionals Can Help

“…Since most adolescents with ADHD display a history of problems with self-regulation, self-initiation, decision-making, time management, and organization (Wolraich et al, 2005), it is common for parents to feel that new freedoms will lead to imminent negative consequences. A natural reaction to this feeling is the assertion of developmentally inappropriate levels of control or assistance (Sibley, Campez et al, 2016).…”