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Interference of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in an older adult with a severe personality disorder and dermatillomania

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 October 2013

L. H. Weusten*
Affiliation:
Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Mondriaan Hospital, Heerlen-Maastricht, the Netherlands
S. M. J. Heijnen-Kohl
Affiliation:
Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Mondriaan Hospital, Heerlen-Maastricht, the Netherlands
J. Ellison
Affiliation:
McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
S. P. J. van Alphen
Affiliation:
Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Mondriaan Hospital, Heerlen-Maastricht, the Netherlands Department of Clinical and Life Span Psychology, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: L. H. Weusten, Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Mondriaan Hospital, John F. Kennedylaan 301, 6419 XZ, Heerlen, the Netherlands. Phone: +31-45-5736363; Fax: +31-88-5066680. Email: L.weusten@mondriaan.eu.

Abstract

This case of a 65-year-old male with dermatillomania, diffuse anxiety symptoms, and avoidant personality disorder (PD) illustrates the interference of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the diagnostic process and during schema-focused therapy. In conclusion, ADHD in older adults and interference with PD is a subject of clinical importance and worth further investigation.

Type
Case Report
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2013 

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