HIGH WYCOMBE, England, May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- A new clinical study published today in Biological Psychiatry adds weight to the growing body of evidence that adults suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may respond to treatment.(1)

ADHD has traditionally been perceived as a childhood disorder, however, existing studies have already demonstrated that up to 65% of paediatric ADHD cases will persist into adulthood.(2) It is estimated that between two and four percent of adults in the UK may have ADHD - the majority of whom have not been diagnosed.(3) Lack of recognition of the existence of adult ADHD has led to the misdiagnosis of many adults with the condition, with sufferers instead being diagnosed with (and often treated for) other psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression and personality disorder.(2)

One of the problems in recognising ADHD in adults is that symptoms may be confused with normal everyday experiences such as irritability, lack of motivation, disorganisation, impulsivity, forgetfulness, and boredom. However, for those diagnosed with adult ADHD these symptoms start in early childhood and may be more persistent and severe than those without a diagnosis.

Dr Marios Adamou, a psychiatrist who runs a specialist ADHD clinic for adults in Kent, commented that, "ADHD is the most inherited psychiatric condition. Approximately 1 in 20 adults in the UK need treatment for ADHD but there are very few services provided by the NHS. Although there has been progression in acceptance and understanding of the condition over the last few years, the tipping point for service provision for ADHD in adults has not yet been reached. It is vital to change public perception and acceptance of this disorder so that those who are suffering can get the help they need."

Treatment of adult ADHD in the UK

Currently, the majority of adults with ADHD remain undiagnosed and untreated.(3)

There are relatively few clinics aimed specifically at adult ADHD patients and many sufferers entering adult life often lose the necessary support and treatment they need. This can lead to a greater reliance on the healthcare system as untreated patients suffer increased smoking-related disorders, serious accidents, and alcohol and drug misuse.(2)

About the study published in Biological Psychiatry

The new investigational study, published today in Biological Psychiatry, is the latest piece of evidence to show that ADHD symptoms continuing into adulthood may be helped with treatment. The Long-Acting Methylphenidate in Adult ADHD (LAMDA) trial was carried out across 13 European countries and included 401 patients with a history of ADHD symptoms extending from childhood into adulthood. In this study, prolonged-release OROS(R) methylphenidate was shown to improve adult ADHD symptoms.(1)

In the UK OROS methylphenidate is approved for the treatment of children (over age 6) and adolescents with ADHD, but is currently not approved for the treatment of ADHD in adults.

About Janssen-Cilag

Janssen-Cilag has a long track record in developing treatments for central nervous system disorders, pain management, oncology, fungal infections and gastrointestinal conditions. Products include Concerta(R) XL (ADHD), Durogesic(R) DTrans(R) (pain management), Eprex(R) (anemia), Topamax(R) (epilepsy, migraine prevention), Risperdal(R) (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder), Risperdal(R) Consta(R) (schizophrenia) and Velcade(R) (progressive multiple myeloma).

More information can be found at http://www.janssen-cilag.co.uk

REFERENCES

(1) Medori R et al. (2008): A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Three Fixed Dosages of Prolonged-Release OROS Methylphenidate in Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Biol Psychiatry. 2008; 63(10): 981-989.

(2) Asherson P, Chen W, Craddock B et al. Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: recognition and treatment in general adult psychiatry. British Journal of Psychiatry 2007; 190: 4-5.

(3) NetDoctor, last accessed 6 May 2008: http://premium.netdoktor.com/uk/adhd/adult/facts/article.jsp?articleIden.... adhd.adult.facts.uk_adhd_xmlarticle_004624

For further information contact: Katie Fyfe, Tonic Life Communications, Tel: +44(0)20-7798-9920, Email: Katie.Fyfe@toniclc.com; Trish Shepherd, Janssen-Cilag Ltd, Tel: +44(0)1494-567-498, Mob: +44(0)7824-40-9663, Email: tshepherd@jacgb.jnj.com