Neuropsychological Findings in Adult ADHD

Abstract

ADHD is a chronic disorder with a life-long perspective, which starts in childhood and continues during adolescence. A neuropsychological or neurobiological test for adult ADHD is not available. The diagnosis of adult ADHD is a clinical assessment. The core symptoms are attention disorder, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Besides this classical triad many patients display emotional symptoms and disorganization. ADHD symptoms include their persistence in different life situations. The symptoms may not occur in isolation. Moreover functional impairments in everyday life must be taken into consideration. In clinical practice there is a need to objectify and to quantify the reported cognitive impairment in particular for the patients. In this paper an overview of neuropsychological models and neuropsychological tests will be given. Studies will be analyzed in relation to their implication for clinical practice.