Adult ADHD Treatment Should Address Time Perception, Expert Says

Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to have impaired time perception, according to a review of recent studies that was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

“The results of the narrative review showed that adult patients with ADHD have problems in the estimation of time intervals, in the reproduction of time intervals, and in the management of time,” wrote study author Christian Mette of the Protestant University of Applied Sciences Department of Psychology in Bochum, Germany. “In addition, the results show that these behavioral deficits can also be found at the neuropsychological level in adult ADHD.”

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Of more than 500 papers from the past decade that underwent full-text review, only 9 met inclusion criteria. Among them, diagnostic protocols, study design, and methodology varied substantially.

“Nevertheless, when analyzing the available studies focused on time perception in adult ADHD, it becomes evident that only a few studies have been published in the last 10 years,” Prof Dr Mette reported. “This is surprising.” 

Time estimation, time reproduction, and time management were the most investigated domains of time perception, according to the review. Some studies demonstrated distinct deficits in each, while others were unable to show a clear link between ADHD and deficits in time estimation and reproduction.

Overall, most of the studies suggested general impairment in time perception. As a result, adult ADHD treatment should, but often does not, include problems with time perception, the author advised.

“This, in turn, could sustainably improve various psychosocial problems (eg, conflicts due to tardiness, planning ability) and the quality of life of people with ADHD,” he wrote.

Additionally, he advised further studies into time perception in adults with ADHD for better understanding and treatment.

Reference

Mette C. Time perception in adult ADHD: findings from a decade-a review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(4):3098. doi:10.3390/ijerph20043098