Adult-Diagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder in the Primary Care Setting

Authors

Kevin Graham, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Primary Care

Advisor

Dr. Laura Witte

Abstract

The purpose of this literature review is to identify best practices in screening, diagnosis, and treatment of the newly diagnosed adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity-disorder (ADHD) patient in the primary care setting. Multiple databases, such as PubMed, MEDLINE, and UpToDate, were used to find publications for review. Search terms included: attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, adult, and treatment. The MeSH terms included: “attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity/drug therapy” and “adult.” After reviewing the abstracts and articles, eight publications and two textbooks were identified for use in this literature review based on relevance. Adult ADHD in the newly diagnosed adult patient comes with both diagnostic and treatment challenges. The newly diagnosed adult ADHD patient commonly presents with deficits in concentration and less commonly with symptoms of hyperactivity, but also may present with more psychiatric comorbidities than the pediatric patient. The growing need for primary care providers to be comfortable with ADHD diagnosis and treatment options is critical to the successful treatment of the adult ADHD patient in the primary care setting.

Recommended Citation

Graham K. Adult-Diagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity-Disorder in the Primary Care Setting. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2023; 5(1).