The diagnosis of ADHD has only relatively recently been acknowledged in adult psychiatry. Education of healthcare professionals in the appropriate management of this condition has yet to be widely achieved. A brief overview is given of the symptoms, impairment and comorbidity. An ultrashort screening list is presented; diagnostic assessment and treatment are discussed. ADHD in adulthood is a psychiatric condition that begins in childhood and can lead to chronic impairment but, once recognised, it can usually be treated effectively.