RG Developmental Disorders Persisting into Adulthood

In recent years, the understanding of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a condition exclusively confined to childhood has evolved to the point where ADHD is now understood as a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder that begins in childhood and also occurs in adults. Epidemiological studies have shown a prevalence of ADHD in the general adult population in Germany of approximately 4 per cent.

The research group focuses on clinical research projects aimed at characterising core symptoms, comorbidity, functional impairments and long-term outcomes in adults with ADHD, as well as health economic projects and therapeutic research in the fields of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for ADHD, the treatment of complex ADHD cases with comorbid disorders, treatment adherence and measures for vocational rehabilitation.

In collaboration with basic science departments at the Central Institute, the group investigates genetic disease mechanisms, genetic contributions to individual responses to medication, and, using imaging techniques, brain structure and function as well as the mechanisms of action of pharmacotherapy.