Unrecognized Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults Presenting for Outpatient Psychotherapy

ABSTRACT Adult patients with significant childhood and current symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but whose ADHD had not been previously recognized, were evaluated by three clinical consultants working with diverse referral populations. These 60 adults shared common characteristics of physical and mental restlessness, impulsivity, disabling distractibility, low self-esteem, self-loathing, and a gnawing sense of underachievement. Specific learning or behavior problems were often present. These patients were chronically disaffected. The diagnosis of ADHD appeared to be missed because these individuals presented with atypical symptoms or had found ways to compensate for their deficits. Descriptive generalizations are offered concerning their coping strategies. These adults had sought previous psychiatric care for non-ADHD symptoms but had numerous unsuccessful treatment attempts. Most patients had been treated for mood or anxiety disorders. Traditional defense analysis had little beneficial effect and aggravated problems of self-esteem; modifications of the psychotherapeutic process are recommended. In open clinical trials without formal measures, the majority of such patients appeared to respond to low doses of antidepressants (i.e., desipramine 10-30 mg daily) and seemed to lose the therapeutic effect at higher antidepressant doses.