ADHD & ADULTHOOD - ABOUT THE EPIDEMIOLOGY, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER IN ADULTS

Aims: The main goal of the authors of the work was to dispel the myth that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a childhood disease. It was emphasized that failure to recognize ADHD in adults, especially in young women, leads to serious consequences. Methods: This narrative review was conducted following established standards for non-systematic literature synthesis in biomedical research. Studies published between 2018 and 2025 were identified through PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science searches using combinations of keywords and MeSH terms related to adult ADHD. Article selection was conducted based on predefined criteria and decisions were made collectively by the research team. Results: Studies indicate that more than half of pediatric ADHD patients continue to struggle with the disorder into adulthood. This new awareness is leading to greater interest in ADHD in the adult population, especially given the underdiagnosis of people over the age of 18, including young women. The etiology of ADHD is multifaceted, with particular emphasis on the role of heredity and dopamine dysregulation. Conclusions: Failure to accurately diagnose ADHD in adults leads to problems in many areas of life (social, professional, emotional) and a lack of understanding for people with this disorder. In young women, undiagnosed ADHD increases the risk of low self-esteem, hopelessness and sexual abuse. In addition, people with ADHD are particularly vulnerable to disorders related to the abuse of psychoactive substances. It is necessary to increase the knowledge of the medical and non-medical community about ADHD in adults. The serious effects of ADHD can be prevented by incorporating appropriate treatment, mainly pharmacological, in the form of stimulants, which are highly effective. However, it is important to remember the possible side effects of these drugs, such as an increase in cardiovascular risk and the rare occurrence of psychosis, which requires constant monitoring of patients.