Development of the Korean Practice Parameter for Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Objectives: Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an important mental health problem that needs resolution, especially considering the high rates of ADHD continuation from childhood to adolescence/adulthood and the high prevalence of ADHD in adults. Adults with ADHD have lifelong negative impacts and require close monitoring with long-term follow-up. Hence, the establishment of a Korean practice parameter for adult ADHD is necessary to minimize discontinuation of treatment and enable information sharing among Korean mental health professionals. Methods: The Korean practice parameter was developed using an evidence-based approach consisting of expert consensus survey coupled with literature review. Letter-Number Sequencing. Although pharmacotherapy is recommended as the first-line of treatment for adult ADHD, we recommend that it be followed by a multimodal and multidisciplinary approach including psychoeducation, pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy and coaching. Conclusion: The Korean practice parameter introduces not only general information for the diagnosis and treatment of adult ADHD on a global scale, but also the process of diagnosis and treatment options tailored to the Korean population.The etiology of ADHD is complex and includes both genetic and environmental factors. However, several studies suggest that the causes of ADHD are largely genetic and the disorder has high heritability [7]. Genetic factorsSeveral studies have shown that ADHD has a strong genetic influence and is inherited across generations [8][9][10][11]. Extensive reports from twin and adoption studies have consistently shown high heritability of approximately 75% for childhood ADHD [12], countering the initial estimates of 30-50% [13-15]. These differences might be due to rater effects, which when controlled for, reduced the incompatibility between childhood and adult ADHD [16].

Diagnostic Distribution of Psychiatric Disorders among Korean Young Adults

“…The prevalence of ADHD (F90) was notably low. In this study, the reason that the occurrence of ADHD rapidly declined in adulthood may be partly because ADHD medications are not covered by Korea's national health insurance system for people aged 19 years or older, which might have contributed to diminished treatment adherence because of the burden of treatment costs [19]. However, in 2016, this problem was resolved by expanding the coverage for adults, and as the combined prescription of ADHD medications has been permitted in December 2019, the number of ADHD diagnoses may increase in the coming years [19].…”

The Positive Aspects of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder among Famous People

“…ADHD is often associated with a higher rate of psychiatric comorbidity in both children and adults than in the general population. 28 Between 65 and 89% of all adults with ADHD suffer from one or more psychiatric disorders during their lifespan. 29 The subjects of this study also had 1.66 comorbid psychiatric disorders per person.…”

Preliminary Study of ADHD Biomarkers in Adults with Focus on Serum Iron and Transcranial Sonography of the Substantia Nigra

“…Similar studies cannot be found in the literature, which limits the interpretation of our results. Moreover, polypharmacy including ADHD drugs, is frequently prescribed for adult ADHD patients due to comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions [ 3 ]. Therefore, it is difficult to evaluate only the effects of ADHD drugs and only the effects in the midbrain.…”

“…There is considerable variation in the persistence rate of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from childhood to adulthood, with estimates ranging from 15% [ 1 ] to 27.8% [ 2 ], depending on the definition of ADHD. It is more difficult to diagnose ADHD in adults than in children and adolescents due to the high prevalence of other physical and mental disorders [ 3 ]. Therefore, newer and more reliable biological diagnostic methods are urgently needed to confirm the diagnosis of ADHD, especially in adults.…”