Citation

Schmidt S, Schüßler G, Petermann F. Z. Psychosom. Med. Psychother. 2012; 58(3): 236-256.

Affiliation

Dr. Sören Schmidt, Zentrum für Klinische Psychologie und Rehabilitation, Universität Bremen, Grazer Straße 2-6, 28359 Bremen, E-Mail: sschmidt@uni-bremen.de.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Vandenhoeck and Ruprecht)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22987491

Abstract

ADHD can be regarded as a lifespan disorder. From biopsychosocial vantage point, ADHD leads to age-specific impairments, high psychological distress and is associated with a high occurrence of comorbid disorders. For this review, we summarize actual findings from epidemiological, neuroscientific and clinical studies to present an overview of ADHD-research. We discuss the proposed revisions for DSM-V criteria by comparing them with the present DSM-IV-TR criteria, with a focus on the implications for research and practice. In the second part of this paper, we present new findings from socioeconomic, diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives. There is evidence for a high economic burden that is indirectly caused by ADHD (e.g., production loss, material costs, higher accident rates). Consequently, there is a high demand for comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We present a summary of the latest available diagnostic instruments and therapeutic manuals. The results of research and practice show a growing support for a lifespan perspective on ADHD psychopathology. The burdens resulting from ADHD are evident in all age groups, which has led to establishing age-specific diagnostic and therapeutic materials. Although there is a lack in ADHD-specific healthcare in adulthood, this should be realized by structural changes in healthcare services.

Language: de