Latest article: Understanding Adult ADHD: Prevalence, causes, consequences and treatment options

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterised by one or more persistent symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, which are severe enough to affect daily function. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), people can be classified into a predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive/ impulsive type, or a combination of the two.¹

ADHD is estimated to affect 4 to 7% of children and 2 to 5% of adults. There are significant sex differences in the diagnosis of ADHD, where it is three to 16 times more frequently diagnosed in males during childhood, but the sex distribution is nearly equivalent in adulthood.² In adults, symptoms such as failing to pay attention to detail, difficulty organising tasks and activities, excessive talking or fidgeting, difficulty relaxing, overworking, forgetfulness, and distractibility are commonly seen.³

COMORBIDITIES, GENERAL HEALTH, AND LIFE EXPECTANCY

ADHD coexists with other psychiatric disorders. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 70 to 80% of individuals with ADHD will have at least one comorbid psychiatric condition across their lifespan.⁴ In adulthood, there is approximately a five times greater likelihood of having an anxiety disorder, depressive disorder, or substance abuse disorder, and an almost nine times greater chance of having bipolar disorder.⁵ Adult ADHD is also associated with an increased prevalence of medical conditions such as obesity, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.^6–8 Sleep disturbances such as insomnia are also significantly more common in people with ADHD, where it has been reported that approximately two-thirds of adults with ADHD have insomnia symptoms.^9,10