Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (also referred to as Adult ADHD, Adult ADD) is the common term used to describe the neuropsychiatric condition attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when it is present in adults. Up to 60% of children diagnosed with ADHD in early childhood continue to demonstrate notable ADHD symptoms as adults. Current convention refers to this condition as adult ADHD, according to the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), 2000 revision. It has been estimated that 15% of the global population has ADHD (including cases not yet diagnosed).
Successful treatment of ADHD is usually based on a combination of medication, behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and skills training.
Classification
The DSM-IV, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 2000 edition, defines three types of ADHD:
1) An inattentive type
2) A hyperactive/impulsive type
3) A combined type
To meet the formal diagnostic criteria of ADHD, an individual must display:
at least six inattentive-type symptoms for the inattentive-typeat least six hyperactive-type symptoms for the hyperactive/impulsive typeall of the above to have the combined-type The symptoms (see below) need to have been present since before the individual was seven years old, and must have interfered with at least two spheres of his or her functioning (at home and at school or work, for example) over the last six months.
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