Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is ‘massively underdiagnosed' among adults, it has been claimed.

ADHD is a behavioural disorder, the main symptoms of which include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Those affected show poor concentration, are often unable to complete tasks, day dream a lot, are distracted easily, act without thinking and can suffer temper tantrums.

Hyperactive symptoms can include restlessness and not being able to remain seated, such as during meals. In adults, this can manifest itself through excessive talking and feelings of being overwhelmed.

According to Prof Michael Fitzgerald, a professor of child psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin, there are effective psychological and medical treatments which are known to have good long-term outcomes. However, the condition continues to be ‘massively underdiagnosed in adult psychiatry'.

He said that there are a number of problems relating to the diagnosis of adults. Some mental health professionals ‘may be resistant to the diagnosis and regard it as a new-fangled American idea', he claimed.

A lack of training has also been a ‘major problem' in the past, as has a lack of diagnostic clarity. The condition often occurs along with other conditions, making it difficult to pinpoint, or it is simply missed.

In fact, Prof Fitzgerald pointed out that ADHD ‘is probably the most commonly missed diagnosis in adult psychiatry'.

"It is often misdiagnosed as mild bipolar disorder. The general moodiness of ADHD leads to this misdiagnosis," he explained.

He noted that there are a number of medications that can be used in the treatment of ADHD, while psychological treatments include counselling and cognitive behavioural therapy.

He added that treating ADHD in both children and adults ‘can be very rewarding'.

Prof Fitzgerald made his comments in the Irish journal, Psychiatry Professional.