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Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of ADHD, and related comorbidities, mortality, and type of health service use among children and young adults, using different case definitions. Methods: We conducted a population‐based retrospective cohort study between 2000 and 2018, using the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System (QICDSS) database. All residents aged less than 25 years eligible for health insurance coverage were included. We compared outcomes of three indicators (morbidity, services use and mortality) according two different algorithms of ADHD definitions, to the general population. Results: The cumulative prevalence of ADHD has risen steadily over the past decade, reaching 12.6% in 2017–2018. People with ADHD have a higher prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities, make greater use of medical, mental health services, and are hospitalized more often. The comparison of prevalence between the two algorithms and the general population for the three indicators showed that the cohort having one claim was very close to that with two or more, and statistically significant higher to that of people without ADHD. Conclusion: This finding support that a single claim algorithm for ADHD can be used for case definition. More research is needed on the impact of potentially effective treatments in improving consequences of ADHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been considerably less research on the management of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among the inmates of correctional facilities than in the general community. While the successful identification and management of ADHD in the adult correctional setting offer potential benefits to the individuals themselves, to institutional staff, and to wider society, their implementation represents significant challenges. These include high prevalence rates, the low level of ADHD recognition, the high incidence of comorbid psychiatric disorders, and the high risk of abuse and diversion of prescribed medications. Here, the authors provide an overview of current recommendations for the identification and management of adults with ADHD in correctional settings and discuss possible strategies for their further development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Little is known about the risks and characteristics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients who misuse or divert their stimulant medications. As part of a 10-year longitudinal study of youths with ADHD, the authors evaluated medication diversion or misuse at the last follow-up period. Method: Structured psychiatric interviews for diagnosis and a self-report questionnaire regarding medication use in medicated subjects with ADHD compared with controls without ADHD receiving psychotropics for non-ADHD treatment were employed. Results: Of 98 subjects receiving psychotropic medications (mean age of 20.8 ± 5 years), 55 (56%) were ADHD subjects and 43 (44%) were controls receiving medications for other purposes. The authors found that 11% of the ADHD group reported selling their medications compared with no subjects in the control group (z = 0.00, p < .05). An additional 22% of the ADHD group reported misusing their medications compared with 5% of the control subjects (z = 1.7 p = .09) and that those with conduct or substance use disorders accounted for the misuse and diversion. A minority of subjects reported escalating their doses and concomitant use with alcohol and drugs. Conclusions: The data indicate that the majority of ADHD individuals, particularly those without conduct or substance use disorders, use their medications appropriately. The authors' findings also highlight the need to monitor medication use in ADHD individuals with conduct and/or substance use disorders and to carefully select agents with a low likelihood of diversion or misuse in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ADHD occurs in 5.9 % of youth and 2.5 % of adults. • Most cases of ADHD are caused by the combined effects of many genetic and environmental risks. • There are small differences in the brain between people with and without ADHD. • Untreated ADHD can lead to many adverse outcomes. • ADHD costs society hundreds of billions of dollars each year, worldwide. Misconceptions about ADHD stigmatize affected people, reduce credibility of providers, and prevent/delay treatment. To challenge misconceptions, we curated findings with strong evidence base. We reviewed studies with more than 2000 participants or meta-analyses from five or more studies or 2000 or more participants. We excluded meta-analyses that did not assess publication bias, except for meta-analyses of prevalence. For network meta-analyses we required comparison adjusted funnel plots. We excluded treatment studies with waiting-list or treatment as usual controls. From this literature, we extracted evidence-based assertions about the disorder. We generated 208 empirically supported statements about ADHD. The status of the included statements as empirically supported is approved by 80 authors from 27 countries and 6 continents. The contents of the manuscript are endorsed by 366 people who have read this document and agree with its contents. Many findings in ADHD are supported by meta-analysis. These allow for firm statements about the nature, course, outcome causes, and treatments for disorders that are useful for reducing misconceptions and stigma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]