Human behavior, pathology and self-regulation

Abstract

In the last fifteen years, the biopsychosocial nature of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the life span has become increasingly apparent. It is also increasingly recognized that weaknesses in certain neuropsychological processes such as self-regulation, executive functioning or planning contribute to psychiatric symptom presentation and impairment. Symptoms may persist into adulthood but changes in adult expectation and life style as well as the capacity of human beings to develop compensatory strategies makes the presentation of the condition such as ADHD different in adulthood. It is unclear whether those with the greatest impairments and struggles relative to ADHD in adult life are more symptomatic for ADHD, experience greater comorbid conditions or simply have had the benefit of fewer protective factors in their lives leading to a resilient outcome. However, what is abundantly clear are the needs of these patients. Most importantly, the work must be about providing appropriate care and assistance to those in need throughout the life span. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)