Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A guide for the general practitioner
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has an estimated prevalence of 3.5% in adults. Knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment of this condition remains limited amongst general practitioners. The clinical presentation is highly variable, and the manifestations of the characteristic s...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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AOSIS
2011-04-01
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| Series: | South African Family Practice |
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| Online Access: | https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/1487 |
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| author | G.I. van Schalkwyk J. Schronen |
| author_facet | G.I. van Schalkwyk J. Schronen |
| author_sort | G.I. van Schalkwyk |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has an estimated prevalence of 3.5% in adults. Knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment of this condition remains limited amongst general practitioners. The clinical presentation is highly variable, and the manifestations of the characteristic symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are different in adults. Furthermore, there is a high incidence of comorbidity. At present, no definitive criteria are available for making the diagnosis. Several rating scales are available, but the diagnosis is essentially a clinical one, and can often only be made with the help of a psychiatrist. Essential features include the presence of ADHD in childhood and significant functional impairment as an adult. Core ADHD symptoms do not always form part of the presenting clinical picture, and awareness of some of the more common initial complaints is important. Stimulants have been shown to be an effective treatment for this condition in both children and adults. ADHD is a rapidly evolving field, and the optimum tools for diagnosis and treatment are not yet available. A functional knowledge of this condition is essential for the general practitioner. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7f6becdb3cf24bd89e2237ea755990b4 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2078-6190 2078-6204 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2011-04-01 |
| publisher | AOSIS |
| record_format | Article |
| series | South African Family Practice |
| spelling | doaj-art-7f6becdb3cf24bd89e2237ea755990b42025-08-20T03:07:10ZengAOSISSouth African Family Practice2078-61902078-62042011-04-0153210.1080/20786204.2011.108740714552Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A guide for the general practitionerG.I. van Schalkwyk0J. SchronenStellenbosch UniversityAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has an estimated prevalence of 3.5% in adults. Knowledge regarding the diagnosis and treatment of this condition remains limited amongst general practitioners. The clinical presentation is highly variable, and the manifestations of the characteristic symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are different in adults. Furthermore, there is a high incidence of comorbidity. At present, no definitive criteria are available for making the diagnosis. Several rating scales are available, but the diagnosis is essentially a clinical one, and can often only be made with the help of a psychiatrist. Essential features include the presence of ADHD in childhood and significant functional impairment as an adult. Core ADHD symptoms do not always form part of the presenting clinical picture, and awareness of some of the more common initial complaints is important. Stimulants have been shown to be an effective treatment for this condition in both children and adults. ADHD is a rapidly evolving field, and the optimum tools for diagnosis and treatment are not yet available. A functional knowledge of this condition is essential for the general practitioner.https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/1487adhd in adultsstimulant therapy for adultsadhd for general practitioners |
| spellingShingle | G.I. van Schalkwyk J. Schronen Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A guide for the general practitioner South African Family Practice adhd in adults stimulant therapy for adults adhd for general practitioners |
| title | Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A guide for the general practitioner |
| title_full | Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A guide for the general practitioner |
| title_fullStr | Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A guide for the general practitioner |
| title_full_unstemmed | Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A guide for the general practitioner |
| title_short | Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A guide for the general practitioner |
| title_sort | attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults a guide for the general practitioner |
| topic | adhd in adults stimulant therapy for adults adhd for general practitioners |
| url | https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/1487 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT givanschalkwyk attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorderinadultsaguideforthegeneralpractitioner AT jschronen attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorderinadultsaguideforthegeneralpractitioner |