Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. The disorder is typical in children but can persist through adolescence and into adulthood in around two-thirds of patients. Undiagnosed, the disorder has several negative consequences for adults in various areas: problems at work, difficulties in interpersonal relationships, problems with self-esteem, and is associated with a higher risk of alcohol and psychoactive substance abuse and the emergence of criminal behaviour. The disorder also co-occurs with many other mental disorders, the treatment of which is less effective if attention deficit disorder is not also treated. These consequences make the diagnosis of ADHD in adulthood very important, and the literature suggests that there are many obstacles to this, including a lack of appropriate tools and low awareness among professionals. The latter is the topic of this master thesis, in which I investigated the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes of Slovenian professionals about ADHD in adults. For this purpose, I designed a survey in which I collected different attitudes and beliefs that I found in the literature and in anecdotal accounts, and I also tested the diagnostic knowledge of the participants. The survey was administered to family doctors, psychologists, psychiatrists and psychology and medical students. The results show that the participants have accepting attitudes and beliefs about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and have a high level of diagnostic knowledge. Participants appeared to know more about the disorder in children than about the disorder in adults. There is also a significant correlation between beliefs and attitudes and knowledge.
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