Adult ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)

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Complications

By Mayo Clinic staff

ADHD has been linked to:

  • Poor school performance
  • Trouble with the law
  • Problems at work
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Frequent car accidents or other accidents
  • Unstable relationships

Although ADHD doesn't cause other psychological or developmental conditions, a number of other disorders frequently occur along with ADHD. These include:

  • Mood disorders. Many adults with ADHD also have depression, bipolar disorder or another other mood disorder. While mood problems aren't necessarily due directly to ADHD, a repeated pattern of failures and frustrations due to ADHD can worsen depression.
  • Anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders occur fairly often in adults with ADHD. Anxiety disorder may cause overwhelming worry, nervousness and other symptoms. Anxiety can be made worse by the challenges and setbacks caused by ADHD.
  • Personality disorders. Adults with ADHD are at increased risk of personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or antisocial personality disorder.
References
  1. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
  2. Kates N. Attention deficit disorder in adults: Management in primary care. Canadian Family Physician. 2005;5:53.
  3. Kolar D, et al. Treatment of adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2008;4:389.
  4. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
  5. Dodson WW. Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder. In: Jacobson JL, et al. Psychiatric Secrets. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Hanley & Belfus; 2001. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/170825310-4/0/1167/120.html?tocnode=49275872&fromURL=120.html#4-u1.0-B1-56053-418-4..50059-5_1165. Accessed Sept. 22, 2009.
  6. Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 11, 2009.
  7. Plizska S. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Journal of the Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology. 2007;46:894.
  8. Martinez M, et al. Psychopharmacology. In: Hales RE. Textbook of Psychiatry. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=320457&searchStr=antidepressive+agents. Accessed Oct. 22, 2009.
  9. Weber W, et al. Complementary and alternative medical therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism. Pediatric Clinics of North America. 2007;54:983.
DS01161 Jan. 28, 2010

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