Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adults with Intellectual Disability: A Review

Background Despite a reported excess of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in individuals with intellectual disability, it has been argued that ADHD symptoms have been under diagnosed and inadequately treated in individuals with intellectual disability. Materials and methods Published studies focussing on the level of ADHD symptoms in children and adults with intellectual disability are reviewed. Issues around screening for ADHD symptoms in individuals with intellectual disability and the validity of the diagnosis of ADHD are considered. Interventions including pharmacological studies are discussed with respect to published research. Results Reported prevalence rates of ADHD symptoms in individuals with intellectual disability vary significantly depending on instruments and diagnostic practices employed. Published research on interventions for individuals with ADHD has primarily focussed on pharmacological interventions. Conclusion Much less is known about ADHD in individuals with intellectual disability than about ADHD in individuals without intellectual disability. There is an urgent need to clarify baseline rates of ADHD in individuals with intellectual disability and to develop efficacious interventions to support affected individuals and their families.