Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood-onset psychiatric disorder characterized by difficulty concentrating attention, hyperactivity and difficulty in controlling behavior, impulsivity, and impulsivity symptoms (1). For many years, ADHD was diagnosed only in childhood, was considered a childhood disorder, and was assumed not to be seen in adults. However, it has been observed that some of the ADHD patients continue with age, and studies have shown that most children with ADHD are diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. ADHD is not only seen in children, nor is it just an attention disorder. Although ADHD is one of the most studied and well-known disorders among childhood mental illnesses, the number of studies on adult ADHD is relatively limited and the desired level of knowledge has not yet been reached (2,3). According to DSM-5, to diagnose ADHD in adults, the presence of ADHD symptoms in both childhood and adulthood must be observed. The most basic criterion is the lifelong persistence of ADHD symptoms and the presence of psychosocial or clinical impairment affecting the person's life in two or more areas. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD have academic failures, disciplinary punishment, expulsion from school, failing grades, and low education level during school age (4-5); failure in romantic relationships in adulthood, many partners, frequent contracting sexually transmitted diseases, marital problems, divorce); frequent job changes, unemployment, low income (4-5); Problematic life, such as difficulties in social life and compliance with the rules, and frequently encountered legal problems as a result, traffic fines, risky behaviors, alcohol and substance use (3) It has been shown in various studies that they frequently encounter these events.
ADHD is a disorder that affects millions of people around the world, not only in childhood and adolescence, but also in adulthood, has a strong neurobiological basis, and can present with different appearances in clinical practice. ADHD symptoms change with development and their frequency decreases with age. Considering the decrease in ADHD symptoms with age in society, adults may experience significant functional impairment compared to their peers, even if they do not meet the required number of diagnostic criteria to be diagnosed. Attention deficit, hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are the main symptoms of ADHD, change with development, causing significant difficulties in executive functions and mood regulation in adults. Core symptoms in adults include problems with attention, inhibition, and self-control. Treatment rates in adults are much lower than in children. The reason for this is that cases who have transitioned from adolescence to young adulthood do not continue treatment, are not referred to adult psychiatrists, and some of the cases do not apply for treatment. Although stimulants form the basis of treatment for this disorder, non-stimulant drug treatments are also under development. ADHD can be found together with many psychiatric disorders in adults. Treatment of possible comorbid conditions is very important for ADHD treatment success. Although it is a well-defined disorder, the diagnostic confusion experienced by the clinician increases with the addition of psychiatric comorbidities and social and cultural objections. In studies where children with ADHD were followed until young adulthood, it was observed that the cases were at higher risk for nicotine, alcohol and substance addiction, and mood and anxiety disorders compared to the control group. �shown. A careful differential diagnosis that takes into account psychiatric, social, cognitive, educational, medical and neurological factors is mandatory in the evaluation of patients with ADHD. Realistic expectations in treatment and intervention, target symptoms should be clearly defined, and potential risks and benefits for patients should be carefully evaluated. When correctly diagnosed, treatment of adult ADHD cases gives positive results as in children. In addition to drug treatments, psychosocial approaches should also be applied in treatment. Additionally, when individuals diagnosed with ADHD do not receive appropriate treatments, they more frequently encounter difficulties in school, work and professional life, making poor decisions, engaging in high-risk activities, driving dangerously, and lifelong legal problems. Studies have shown that the frequently put forward claims of over-diagnosis and unnecessary treatment do not reflect the truth.
ADHD is one of the important problems of both society and health services in terms of its different negative effects on interpersonal relationships, school and professional life. The disorder affects a wide range of people, including not only patients but also their environment, families and parents. For this reason, it is very important for individuals with ADHD to be recognized, diagnosed, and able to access appropriate holistic approaches to treatment in adulthood, as well as in childhood, in terms of both individual and public health.
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