ADHD in adolescents and young adults

作者：Merkt Julia; Petermann Franz

来源：Zeitschrift für Psychiatrie, Psychologie und Psychotherapie, 2015, 63(3): 187-194.

DOI：10.1024/1661-4747/a000239

• ADHD
• adolescence
• transition
• developmental task
• substance abuse

Adolescence (16 to 21 years) is accompanied by new developmental tasks and risks. Due to their hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention adolescents with ADHD are vulnerable for adverse development. An analysis of the literature shows that substance abuse and delinquency are the themes most often researched in adolescents with ADHD. Other developmental tasks that are risky for adolescents with ADHD are: developing independence from parents, starting marriage and family life, friendships with peers, starting a career, and accepting one's physique. Developmental tasks that have been accomplished successfully can be protective or compensatory and could be used as a resource. For young adults with ADHD who seek help of a psychiatrist for the first time, diagnosing ADHD is the challenge. For adolescents who received a diagnosis of ADHD in childhood the main problem is the continuation of care, albeit low compliance in some cases. Independent of the timing of the diagnosis adolescents with ADHD are vulnerable. They need assistance in the transition from child to adult mental health service and structured support to accomplish important developmental tasks of adolescence.

• 出版日期2015