ADHD is a heterogeneous behavioural syndrome characterised by the core symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. While these symptoms tend to cluster together, some people are predominantly hyperactive and impulsive, while others are principally inattentive.*
In later adolescence and adult life, the range of possible impairment extends to educational and occupational underachievement, dangerous driving, difficulties in carrying out daily activities such as shopping and organising household tasks, in making and keeping friends, in intimate relationships (for example, excessive disagreement) and with childcare.*
In general, ADHD is a persisting disorder. Of the young people with a sustained diagnosis, most will go on to have significant difficulties in adulthood, which may include continuing ADHD,*
Based on the narrower criteria of ICD-10, hyperkinetic disorder is estimated to occur in about 1–2% of children and young people in the UK. Using the broader criteria of DSM-IV, ADHD is thought to affect about 3–9% of school-age children and young people in the UK, and about 2% of adults worldwide.*
TREATMENT:
Drug treatment is the first-line treatment for adults with ADHD with either moderate or severe levels of impairment: Methyl Phenidate, Atomoxetine, Dexamfetamine or lis-dexamfetamine.*
* NICE clinical guideline 72: Diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, young people and adults. Issued: September 2008 last modified: March 2013.
http://www.nice.org.uk/nicemedia/live/12061/42059/42059.pdf