[Functioning, comorbidity and treatment of 141 adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) at a psychiatric outpatient department].

OBJECTIVE

To describe the functioning, comorbidity and treatment of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

DESIGN

Retrospective.

METHOD

In the period 1 May 1995 to 31 January 1998, 141 patients aged 18-54 were diagnosed with ADHD at the Delfland Psychiatric Outpatients' Department, Delft, the Netherlands. For all of these patients, data concerning the functioning, comorbidity, and the response to treatment with clonidine (n = 34) or methylphenidate (n = 99), were collected from anamneses, hetero-anamneses and school reports.

RESULTS

The most frequent complaints were: mood-swings, rage-outbursts, sensation-seeking behaviour, sleeping disorders, anxiety and depressive symptoms. In 94% (n = 123) of the cases, childhood onset of ADHD symptoms was confirmed by a family member. The distribution of ADHD subtypes was comparable to the distribution in children. Psychiatric comorbidity was common. Treatment with methylphenidate was more effective and better tolerated than treatment with clonidine.

CONCLUSION

With respect to ADHD subtypes, patterns of comorbidity and effectiveness of medication, ADHD in the adults studied was comparable with what is known about ADHD in children.