Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
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Ask the expert
ADHD in adults

Can adults suffer from attention deficit disorder?

Yes, 40 to 50% of children with ADHD experience symptoms in adulthood.
 

Ridha Joober, MD, PhD. and Natalie Grizenko, MD, 2008

What is the treatment for adult ADD? Are the side effects in children the same as those in adults?

The same medications to treat children are used to treat adults. The therapeutic effects and side effects are identical. The treatments can completely eliminate symptoms to allow individuals to function at their maximum capacity. It is also possible to treat adults who have suffered from ADD since childhood.

Ridha Joober, MD, PhD. and Natalie Grizenko, MD, 2008

What type of doctor should I consult for adult ADD?

There are currently very few resources despite growing demand. Consult the health centre in your sector for more information. The Web sites of CADDRA and Dr Annick Vincent are very well researched.

Ridha Joober, MD, PhD. and Natalie Grizenko, MD, 2008

How can we help our 30-year-old son who suffers from ADHD?

He's an adult. Encourage him to seek out assistance from specialized services.

Ridha Joober, MD, PhD. and Natalie Grizenko, MD, 2008

How serious is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed childhood disorder in Quebec and in Canada affecting 3-5% of all children and accounting for the most referrals to mental health centers, special education, and behavioural visits to primary care physicians.

ADHD seriously impairs many areas of childhood functioning, including school, family, self, and peer domains. In addition, a significant burden can be placed on the parents and teachers of children with the disorder. In the majority of ADHD individuals, the difficulties persist into adulthood, which may lead to problems with the justice system or abuse of alcohol and/or other drugs. Therefore, effective intervention for ADHD children should be a major public health concern for Quebec and Canada.

Ridha Joober, MD, PhD. and Natalie Grizenko, MD, 2008

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