Treating ADHD in Older Adults

Rationale: Treatment of ADHD in older adults may require special consideration.

Objective: To offer evidence-informed recommendations for treatment of ADHD in older adults.

Methods: Literature search and consideration of the author’s clinical experience working with older adults.

Results: Data on management of ADHD in older adults is limited; however, small observational studies have characterized the presence, impact, and treatment of ADHD in adults over the age of 50 years. Pharmacotherapies are know to exacerbate some conditions which may be more prevalent in older adults. One post-hoc analysis suggests that behavioral and supportive interventions were useful in a small group of older adults.

Conclusions: Although ADHD treatment for older adults has not been well studied, with proper consideration of the influence of age on potential risks and benefits the full range of supports used in younger individuals may be helpful to alleviate ADHD-related impairment. Clinicians are encouraged to support adaptation to living older years with ADHD through thoughtful diagnosis, treatment planning and monitoring of care.