Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis and treatment among adults has increased over the past decade in the U.S. and globally. Evidence suggests adults with ADHD may be more likely to develop a substance use disorder, and there are concerns that nonmedical use of prescription stimulants could lead to misuse, overdose, or toxicity. In December 2023, The National Academies Forum on Drug Discovery, Development, and Translation and Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders held a public workshop to examine the diagnosis and treatment of adults with ADHD and explore the challenges and opportunities for the development of new therapeutics. The workshop was supported, in part, through a grant (PAR-23-072) from the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research at the FDA.

Table of Contents

Front Matter 1 Introduction 2 ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in the United States 3 Impact of Misdiagnosis, Bias, and Stigma 4 Shared Decision-Making 5 Balancing Risks and Benefits of ADHD Treatment for Adults 6 Potential Strategies and Implications for Drug Development 7 Public Health Considerations and Harm Reduction Strategies References Appendix A: Workshop Agenda Appendix B: Biographical Sketches of the Workshop Planning Committee, Speakers, Panelists, and Staff