Older adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are better served by clinicians who understand how coexisting conditions and medications may affect their health, an expert writes in ADDitude magazine.
Although a prevalent mental health condition, ADHD has not been widely recognized or studied in older adults until recently, according to psychiatrist David W. Goodman, M.D., of Johns Hopkins University. But there are unique diagnostic challenges that clinicians should be aware of, he wrote.
A diagnosis of ADHD can be complicated by cognitive decline, menopause-related cognitive impairment, sleep issues such as apnea, medications, polypharmacy and depression that causes dementia-like symptoms, Goodman reported. Cognitive decline symptoms can mimic those of ADHD.
In addition, about half of adults aged 50 years and older with ADHD are estimated to have psychiatric comorbidities such as anxiety disorders. What’s more, there may be debilitating problems with low self-esteem.
Medication for seniors with ADHD
When considering potential medication therapies for the condition, it is important to recognize that about 76% of older adults already report taking multiple medications, Goodman wrote. Clinicians should be on the lookout for drug interactions. And if other psychiatric medications are being taken, they must prioritize treatment so as not to unwittingly worsen the symptoms of another condition, he added
One study found that fully 63% of older adults with ADHD reported current ADHD medication use, mostly stimulants, Goodman reported. A quarter said they take no medications. About 35% said they participated in non-pharmaceutical therapies such as skills and behavior training.
Although symptoms of ADHD must be “chronic and relatively unchanging” over a lifespan for a diagnosis of the condition, clinicians shouldn’t overlook cognitive complaints and an opportunity to treat them, Goodman noted.
The full story, including more details on diagnosis and medications, can be found on the ADDitude website.
Related articles:
ADHD linked to Alzheimer’s disease across generations, scientists say
