Mark F. Ward

An open trial of pargyline in the treatment of attention deficit disorder, residual type

Twenty-two patients who met the Utah criteria for attention deficit disorder, residual type (hyperactivity, minimal brain dysfunction in adults) received an open trial of pargyline (Eutonyl). Of these 22 patients, 13 (59%) showed a moderate to marked therapeutic response. Clinically useful features of pargyline in the treatment of attention deficit disorder, residual type are that its duration of action is greater than 24 hours and that it has not been abused. Pargyline inhibits monoamine oxidase, type B, and its therapeutic efficacy is compatible with the hypothesis that decreased phenethylaminergic function, dopaminergic function, or both play a role in the etiology of the disorder.

ADHD IN ADULTS

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults is a common-and, frequently undiagnosed-psychiatric disorder. This article will focus on the symptoms, associated features, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, prevalence, etiology and treatment of this illness.