From the Guidelines
Adults with ADHD typically exhibit symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, with inattentive symptoms being more prevalent, and a diagnosis requires the presence of at least 5 symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity for at least 6 months, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition 1. To diagnose adult ADHD, the first step is to have patients complete part A of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-V1.1), which asks patients to indicate the frequency of a variety of symptoms, and a screen is positive when a patient checks often or very often for 4 or more of the 6 questions 1. Some key symptoms of adult ADHD include:
- Poor attention to detail
- Difficulty concentrating or sustaining attention on tasks
- Seems preoccupied, difficulty in shifting focus even when spoken to directly
- Difficulty with completing tasks (gets distracted/side-tracked)
- Organizational challenges (eg, resulting in chronic lateness—for appointments or deadlines, messiness, disorganized work)
- Reluctance to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (eg, preparing reports, reviewing lengthy papers)
- Difficulty keeping track of personal belongings/items required for task completion
- Easily distracted
- Frequently forgetful These symptoms must cause significant impairment in daily functioning across multiple settings to warrant a diagnosis 1. It's essential to note that many adults with ADHD develop coping mechanisms that mask symptoms, making diagnosis challenging, and treatment typically involves a combination of medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle modifications including organizational strategies, exercise, and adequate sleep 1. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself, consulting with a healthcare provider specializing in adult ADHD is recommended for proper evaluation and treatment.
From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets are indicated in: ... Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity: As an integral part of a total treatment program that typically includes other remedial measures (psychological, educational, social) for a stabilizing effect in pediatric patients (ages 3 years to 16 years) with a behavioral syndrome characterized by the following group of developmentally inappropriate symptoms: moderate to severe distractibility, short attention span, hyperactivity, emotional liability, and impulsivity.
The symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity mentioned are:
- Moderate to severe distractibility
- Short attention span
- Hyperactivity
- Emotional liability
- Impulsivity However, these symptoms are described for pediatric patients. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Adult ADHD Symptoms
- Adult ADHD symptoms can include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can impact daily life and social functions 2
- Studies have shown that adults with ADHD often have comorbidities with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use, oppositional defiant disorder, personality disorders, sleep problems, and learning disabilities 2
- Symptoms of ADHD in adults can be mistaken for comorbid disorders, making diagnosis and treatment challenging 2
Treatment of Adult ADHD
- Pharmacologic treatments for adult ADHD include stimulants, such as methylphenidate, and non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine 3, 2, 4
- Methylphenidate has been shown to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms and improving quality of life in adults with ADHD 3, 4
- Atomoxetine has also been shown to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, particularly hyperactive/impulsive symptoms 3
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be an effective treatment for adults with ADHD, and can be used alone or in combination with medication 5
Efficacy of Treatments
- Studies have compared the efficacy of different treatments for adult ADHD, including methylphenidate, atomoxetine, and CBT 3, 4, 5
- Methylphenidate and atomoxetine have been shown to be effective in reducing ADHD symptoms, with methylphenidate being more effective in some studies 3, 4
- CBT has been shown to be effective in improving core ADHD symptoms, emotional symptoms, and social functional outcomes, and can be used alone or in combination with medication 5