Latest article: Understanding Adult ADHD: Prevalence, causes, consequences and treatment options
Date
05 May 2025
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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
Comorbidities associated with Adult ADHD are associated with a reduced quality of life, increased symptom burden, and a reduction in life expectancy of 6.78 years in males, and 8.64 years in females with diagnosed ADHD.11
Key highlights
- Adult ADHD is estimated to affect 2 to 5 % of adults.
- Aetiology is multi-factorial with genetics predominating and environmental factors such as diet and exposure to toxins having a influence.
- As well as changes to dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are frequently present.
- Common comorbidities include insomnia, anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, which may contribute to a shorter life expectancy of around 7-9% in people diagnosed with ADHD.
- Management should include addressing co-morbidities, nutrient deficiencies and pharmacotherapy side effects.
- Evidence-based treatments include cognitive behaviour therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, dietary changes, and some herbal medicines, including saffron, ginkgo and bacopa.
- Emerging therapies include antioxidants, probiotics and transcranial magnetic stimulation.