Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Neurology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 920

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Norton College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
Interests: attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; autistic spectrum disorders; substance use disorders; Parkinson’s disease; Alzheimer’s disease

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. ADHD is one of the most common mental health disorders in children and adolescents and often persists into adulthood. Individuals with ADHD may face numerous challenges, including academic and occupational difficulties, strained interpersonal relationships, and increased risks for comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Effective diagnosis and treatment are critical to managing ADHD symptoms and improving quality of life.

This Special Issue of the Journal of Clinical Medicine aims to highlight the latest research on ADHD, focusing on advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. We invite original research articles and comprehensive reviews that investigate innovative diagnostic methods, address new pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options, and explore strategies for managing comorbid conditions. Our goal is to provide insights that improve clinical outcomes and support effective, individualized treatment approaches for people with ADHD across all ages.

We are particularly interested in manuscripts addressing the following areas:

  • Advances in ADHD diagnostic tools: Including neuroimaging, genetic markers, and digital diagnostic applications;
  • Pharmacological treatments: New medications, comparative studies of existing medications, and personalized medicine approaches for ADHD;
  • Non-pharmacological interventions: Behavioral therapies, cognitive training, emerging digital therapeutics, and alternative medicine approaches;
  • Long-term outcomes of ADHD treatment: Including impact on academic, occupational, and social functioning, as well as health outcomes;
  • ADHD across the lifespan: Research focusing on diagnosis, management, and outcomes in childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and older adults;
  • Comorbidities and dual diagnoses: Identification and management of co-occurring disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, as well as somatic comorbidities;
  • Patient and caregiver perspectives: Studies on quality of life, treatment adherence, and the psychosocial impact of ADHD;
  • Innovative approaches in ADHD care: Use of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital tools to enhance diagnosis, treatment, and patient monitoring and provide coaching and support.

Through this Special Issue, we aim to gather a comprehensive selection of research that can inform and improve clinical practice, support effective management strategies, and ultimately enhance the lives of individuals affected by ADHD.

Dr. Yanli Zhang-James
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
  • neurodevelopmental disorder
  • hyperactivity
  • children
  • adolescents
  • adult

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 296 KiB  
Article
Personality Traits in Adolescents with ADHD: Insights into Dimension Evaluation and Clinical Implications Using the Personality Inventory for the DSM-5 Questionnaire
by Carmela De Domenico, Alessia Fulgenzi, Alessia Andaloro, Marcella Di Cara, Adriana Piccolo, Giulia Marafioti, Fabio Mauro Giambò, Maria Cristina De Cola, Carmela Settimo, Rosalia Muratore, Cecilia Galati, Caterina Impallomeni, Emanuela Tripodi and Francesca Cucinotta
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(9), 3048; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14093048 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 241
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often persisting into adolescence and adulthood, with significant impacts on social, academic, and occupational functioning. Emerging research highlights the role of personality traits in ADHD, suggesting their influence on [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often persisting into adolescence and adulthood, with significant impacts on social, academic, and occupational functioning. Emerging research highlights the role of personality traits in ADHD, suggesting their influence on symptom presentation, functional impairments, and treatment adherence. This study aims to investigate maladaptive personality domains and traits in adolescents with ADHD using the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) framework and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Short Form (PID-5-SF), with a particular focus on the differences among same-sex peers and differences from typically developing peers. Methods: This study included 30 ADHD and 25 TD adolescents aged 11–17 (12.6 ± 2.1 vs. 14.9 ± 1.7; p < 0.001), recruited at IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”. Participants underwent clinical assessments, cognitive evaluation, and standardized rating scales, with maladaptive personality traits measured using the PID-5-SF. Chi-squared and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare the two groups, as appropriate. Results: ADHD adolescents showed significantly higher scores than TD peers in restricted affectivity (p = 0.007), distractibility (p = 0.001), impulsivity (p = 0.049), irresponsibility (p = 0.036), hostility (p = 0.046), perseveration (p = 0.010), submissiveness (p = 0.023), and risk-taking (p = 0.032). Among personality domains, disinhibition was significantly higher in the ADHD group (p = 0.002), while detachment approached significance. Female ADHD participants scored higher than TD females in restricted affectivity, distractibility, and risk-taking. Conclusions: These findings suggest that maladaptive personality traits play a key role in ADHD during adolescence, highlighting the need for tailored interventions. Integrating personality assessment into clinical practice may enhance diagnostic accuracy and support more effective, individualized treatment strategies. Full article
13 pages, 237 KiB  
Article
Diagnosis and Management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Practitioner’s Perspective
by Mansour M. Alotaibi, Naif Z. Alrashdi, Sultan A. Alanazi, Marzouq K. Almutairi, Bakriah Y. Alzubaidi, Maraheb M. Alkhalidi, Deemah Alateeq and Mohammed M. Alqahtani
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(9), 2874; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14092874 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 364
Abstract
Background/Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in Saudi Arabia, yet challenges remain in diagnosis and treatment accessibility. This study examined healthcare practitioners’ clinical approaches to ADHD diagnosis and management in Saudi Arabia and identified gaps in practice. Methods: This cross-sectional [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder in Saudi Arabia, yet challenges remain in diagnosis and treatment accessibility. This study examined healthcare practitioners’ clinical approaches to ADHD diagnosis and management in Saudi Arabia and identified gaps in practice. Methods: This cross-sectional study included healthcare practitioners working in various healthcare settings across Saudi Arabia. The sample included psychiatrists, pediatricians, psychologists, and other relevant specialists. Clinical practices regarding ADHD diagnosis, the use of ADHD screening tools, adherence to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria, treatment strategies, medication prescription protocols, and reported challenges were investigated. Results: A total of 43 licensed healthcare practitioners with a minimum of 2 years of clinical experience managing ADHD participated. Among participants, 81.4% were psychiatrists, and 53.5% managed ADHD cases in children/adolescents exclusively. Approximately 86.0% of the sample used screening tools, with the Vanderbilt Assessment Scale being the most used (67.6%). However, only 55.8% addressed all 18 DSM-5 ADHD symptoms during the evaluation. Combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches (74.4%) were preferred. Interestingly, only 7.0% prescribed amphetamine-based stimulants due to the lack of clear guidelines. Key barriers included a lack of early screening programs (65.1%), limited ADHD medication option availability (51.2%), and extended referral waiting lists (44.2%). Conclusions: Significant variability in ADHD diagnosis and treatment practices was evident among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, a large proportion of healthcare providers do not fully comply with the standard DSM-5 diagnosis criteria. Major barriers to ADHD diagnosis and treatment in Saudi Arabia include extended referral waiting lists, limited availability of psychostimulant medications, and standardized clinical guidelines. A national ADHD protocol must be advocated, and access to diverse treatment options should be improved. Full article
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