Psychopharmacological Treatment of ADHD in Adults Aged 50: An Empirical Study

• Published in: Journal of attention disorders 2015-05, Vol.19 (5), p.380-389
• Main Authors: Lensing, Michael B., Zeiner, Pål, Sandvik, Leiv, Opjordsmoen, Stein
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Attention - drug effects; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - drug therapy; Female; Humans; Impulsive Behavior - drug effects; Male; Middle Aged; Patient Satisfaction; Psychotropic Drugs - therapeutic use; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1087-0547; 1557-1246
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054714527342

Objective: To study pharmacotherapy in adults aged 50+ with ADHD. Method: A survey was administered to adults with ADHD (≥50 years old). Participants on medication for ADHD were compared with those not on medications. Results: Mean age of participants was 55.8 years, and mean age when diagnosed with ADHD was 50.3 years. Ninety-five participants (63.8%) reported current psychopharmacological treatment for ADHD, 36 (24.2%) had stopped psychopharmacological treatment, and 18 (12.0%) were psychopharmacological treatment naive for ADHD. Those currently being treated psychopharmacologically for ADHD reported significantly improved attention relative to the two nonmedicated groups (p < .01). Among examined sample characteristics (including current psychopharmacological treatment for ADHD), employment was associated with a better outcome (odds ratio = 3.3, p = .006). Conclusion: The majority of adults aged 50+ with ADHD reported regular pharmacotherapy for ADHD. Participants currently receiving psychopharmacological treatment for ADHD reported better attention than those not receiving pharmacotherapy. Employment was associated with more favorable outcomes.