Abstract

LOPES, Regina Maria Fernandes; NASCIMENTO, Roberta Fernandes Lopes do  and  BANDEIRA, Denise Ruschel. Assessment of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults: a literature revision. Aval. psicol. [online]. 2005, vol.4, n.1, pp.65-74. ISSN 1677-0471.

Studies show that, in average, 67% of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) maintain the symptoms in adulthood, interfering in academic, professional, affective and social life. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce symptoms. This article shows a review on the recent literature about ADHD and psychological assessment of adults affected by this disorder. The study was based on a revision of articles from Medline/PubMed, PsycINFO and from books published in the last years. The paper aims at pointing out the most important aspects of ADHD psychological evaluation through the most pertinent bibliography for assessment of this disorder. The findings show suitable components for an evaluation of ADHD in adults: revision of current concerns, assessment of functioning level in childhood and adulthood, detailed life history, evaluation of psychosocial adaptation history, differential diagnosis and evaluation of intellectual, comorbidities and executive functions.

Keywords : ADHD; Executive functioning; Adults.

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