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Introduction
Adults are being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in record numbers. Data released in 2005 by Medco Health Solutions, a pharmacy benefits manager, indicates that approximately 1.5 million adults between the ages of 20 and 64 are taking medication for attention problems. They also report that the use of medication for ADHD increased 57 percent for children/adolescents and 98 percent for adults from 2000 to 2004. ADHD is a neurological condition that impacts physical, social and emotional functioning ([20] Coleman et al. , 2000). Symptoms include difficulties with staying focused, attending to details, remaining organized, following through on instructions, completing tasks, forgetfulness, restlessness, excessive talking and impulsiveness.
It is estimated that approximately 40 percent to 70 percent of children with ADHD will continue to experience symptoms as adults ([10] Barkley et al. , 2002; [11] Biederman et al. , 2000; [57] Mannuzza et al. , 1998, [90] Weiss et al. , 1985). A recent population screen of 966 adults suggests prevalences of 2.9 percent for narrowly defined ADHD and 16.4 percent using a more broad definition ([33] Faraone and Biederman, 2005).
Adults with ADHD face a number of challenges. A national survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the national attention deficit disorder association and the Eli Lilly company found that large numbers of adults with ADHD believed that the disorder had constrained them from achieving long-term goals (87 percent), short-term goals (80 percent) and pursuing their dreams (80 percent). Many ADHD adults reported difficulty with romantic relationships (77 percent), ability to follow through on things (85 percent), attain educational achievement (64 percent), succeed in the workplace (64 percent) and handle stress (64 percent). Young adults with ADHD attain lower occupational ranking, socioeconomic status and social class standing when compared with their peers. Adults with ADHD are also less likely to attain professional job status. Research shows that up to 70 percent of adults with ADHD are undiagnosed and do not know that they have the condition. On June 7, 2004 the US Senate unanimously passed Resolution 370, designating September 7 as National Attention Deficit Disorder Awareness Day. The resolution states that the lack of public knowledge and understanding of the disorder plays a significant role in the overwhelming numbers of...