Resumo

ORTIZ LEON, Silvia  e  JAIMES MEDRANO, Aurora L.. Attention deficit disorder in adulthood and college students. Rev. Fac. Med. (Méx.) [online]. 2016, vol.59, n.5, pp.6-14. ISSN 2448-4865.

The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has been identified since the nineteenth century and over time has changed its nomenclature. Now it is considered as a neurodevelopmental disorder with a beginning age under 12, that involves the persistence of inattention symptoms, hyperactivity and impulsivity for at least six months, that do not correspond to their level of development and lead to clinically significant deterioration of certain areas in their everyday life (academic, family, social and in the case of adults in the workplace), which impact psychosocial functioning. The etiology and pathogenesis show, mainly, a fronto-subcortical dysfunction and alterations in the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems.

Cognitive processes of ADHD are related to the dysfunction of these structures and the processes that integrate the executive function. The estimated prevalence of 4.4% should be considered a warning sign for the diagnosis and treatment of this population. In the case of college students and adults with ADHD that have difficulties it is important to not only focus on the cardinal symptoms of the disorder but in other deficits associated with executive functions such as planning, organization, deficit in inhibitory control, poor time management and procrastination activities that can affect the academic and industrial areas, social relationships, family and everyday activities which decreases their life quality. The increase of accidents, criminal behavior, difficulty in managing personal finances and relationships affect their psychosocial functioning. It is important not only identify and diagnose ADHD, but also comorbidity with anxiety disorders, major depressive episodes and the use of alcohol and substance abuse. The type of treatment for this disorder is multimodal, since it invoves a psychopharmacological treatment that involve the use of stimulants, non-stimulants and psychosocial interventions. Because of these reasons, a guidance, councilor or tutor for the student is strongly recommended to implement learning strategies and help develop skills that will facilitate them to achieve their goals, and thus successfully complete their studies and eventually start working.

Palavras-chave : TDAH; adults; diagnostic; comorbidity.

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