Social maladjustment in adults with ADHD- diagnostic aspects

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of the presented review is to highlight particular symptoms of ADHD in adults and the relationship between childhood ADHD and adult delinquency. It presents the modifications of diagnostic criteria and methods based upon them. The use of screening methods only causes overestimated or underestimated prevalence of ADHD in adults, therefore a reliable psychiatric diagnosis is necessary. In adults with ADHD there are often additional disorders such as: conduct disorders, emotional disorders, alcohol and/or drug addictions, personality disorders and strong difficulties in everyday functioning. Results of the research on relationship between appearance of ADHD and delinquency suggest that it exists only in the case of severe ADHD demanding pharmacological treatment. In other cases this problem should be analysed in the context of comorbidity and life experiences. It is necessary to prepare a diagnostic guidebook in the field of adult ADHD.

Keywords

• słowa kluczowe: adhd, dorośli, epidemiologia, przestępczość, zaburzenia zachowania, diagnoza