Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose – The aim of this descriptive study is to highlight the number and co-morbid health needs of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presenting to a pilot adult ADHD service.

Design/methodology/approach – This study aimed to focus on the epidemiologic data such as total number of referrals, source of referrals, sex ratio, follow-up treatments, and co-morbid diagnosis. The number of referrals between March and October 2009 were looked at. The study population included adults aged 18-65 years including adults with mild intellectual disabilities. A total of 117 adults were referred to the pilot ADHD service for adults and 105 patients were assessed.

Findings – The commonest source of referral was from general practice (n=60) 57 per cent. New diagnosis of adult ADHD was around (n=47) in 39.1 per cent of those who presented. Over 80 per cent of the patients were males. Around (n=55), 58 per cent of adults with ADHD had a co-morbid diagnosis. About 4 per cent (n=4) of the referrals were from the adult learning disability services.

Originality/value – The findings from the descriptive study suggest a significant gap in diagnostic services for adults with ADHD who present with high rates of co-morbidity.