Comparison of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Practice in Adults According to a Training Background in Child Psychiatry

Minha Hong, Seung Yup Lee, Young Sik Lee, Bongseog Kim, Yoo Sook Joung, Hanik K. Yoo, Eui Jung Kim, Soyoung Irene Lee, Su Bin Park, Soo Young Bhang, Doughyun Han, Geon Ho Bahn

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

6 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: Awareness of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults has significantly increased; however, clinical data specific to the Korean population are insufficient. Clinical experience of ADHD may differ based on whether psychiatrists have received pediatric psychiatry-specific training. In order to prepare a practice parameter for adult ADHD patients in Korea, we examined questionnaire data to observe how pediatric psychiatry training could affect clinical practice for adults with ADHD. Methods: A questionnaire about the diagnosis and treatment process was distributed to both general psychiatrists (GPsy) and child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAP) at the summer and winter workshop meetings of Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Results: In total, 142 psychiatrists participated in the survey (86 GPsy, 56 CAP). GPsy and CAP preferred pharmacotherapy (GPsy 82.40%, CAP 64.30%) as the primary treatment option and answered that the clinical psychiatric interview is the most necessary step in diagnostic assessment (GPsy 22.16%, CAP 19.00%). The GPsy responded with an optimal and average treatment duration that was shorter than that reported by CAP. Conclusion: Identification of the initial presenting symptom as the correct diagnosis and the optimal duration of pharmacotherapy differed between GPsy and CAP in practice, whereas concepts in diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in adults were similar for both groups. These results suggest the urgent need for the Continuing Medical Education program for psychiatrists treating adults with ADHD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)121-126
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Volume30
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2019

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2019, Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • Experts
  • Practice pattern

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