For many years ADHD was thought to be a childhood onset disorder that has limited impact on adult psychopathology. However, the symptoms and impairments that define ADHD often affect the adult population, with similar responses to drugs such as methylphenidate, dexamphetamine and atomoxetine to those seen in children and adolescents. As a result, there has been a rapidly increasing awareness of ADHD in adults and an emergence of new clinical practice across the world. Despite this, treatment of adult ADHD in Europe and many other regions of the world is not yet common practice and diagnostic services are often unavailable or restricted to a few specialist centres.

Here we address some of the key conceptual issues surrounding the continuity of ADHD across the lifespan, with a focus relevant to practicing health care professionals working with adult populations.

We conclude that ADHD should be recognised within adult mental health in the same way as other common adult mental health disorders. Failure to recognise and treat ADHD will be detrimental to the well being of many patients seeking help for common mental health problems.

The author declares that he has no competing interest.