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Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: translating research into practice

  • Review Article
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ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults is a prevalent, yet under-appreciated, under-researched and poorly understood condition. Given this, it is imperative that information and awareness regarding this condition are made more widespread, both amongst the general public and amongst healthcare professionals. Further, given our poor understanding of the aetiology of the condition, meaningful translational research that migrates into and better informs clinical practice must be a priority. In this brief review we highlight areas regarding the clinical diagnosis and management of ADHD in adults (guidelines, rating scales, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy) as well as areas of promising translational research (genetics, neuroimaging, sleep and circadian rhythms, animal models of ADHD). We address some of the challenges presented for both clinicians and healthcare providers and research scientists working to improve the lives of those adults with ADHD.

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Acknowledgments

This review is based on the results of an exploratory workshop that took place on 17–19 December 2011 at Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, and was financially supported by CNCS—UEFISCDI, project number PNII—IDEI/WE-2011-056.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland Maynooth, Maynooth, Leinster, Republic of Ireland

    A. N. Coogan

  2. Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

    A. Dobrean & B. I. Voinescu

  3. Clinic and Policlinic of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany

    R. M. Donev & J. Thome

  4. College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK

    R. M. Donev & J. Thome

  5. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania

    L. Mateescu

  6. Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

    U. Müller

Authors
  1. A. N. Coogan
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  2. A. Dobrean
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  3. R. M. Donev
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  4. L. Mateescu
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  5. U. Müller
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  6. J. Thome
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  7. B. I. Voinescu
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to B. I. Voinescu.

Additional information

A. N. Coogan, A. Dobrean, R. M. Donev, L. Mateescu, U. Müller, J. Thome, B. I. Voinescu contributed equally to this article.

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Coogan, A.N., Dobrean, A., Donev, R.M. et al. Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: translating research into practice. ADHD Atten Def Hyp Disord 4, 41–51 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-012-0073-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-012-0073-7

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