When Children with ADHD Become Adults

Recognition and treatment of comorbidities associated with ADHD during childhood might decrease persistence of symptoms and improve functional outcomes in adulthood.

Adult outcomes of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosed in childhood are inconclusive. Now, long-term follow-up data from a prospective study of children with combined-type ADHD are reported in two studies (NEJM JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Aug 2009 and J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2009; 48:484).

In one study, data were collected from 476 participants and age- and sex-matched controls at 12, 14, and 16 years following initiation of the study (mean age, 25 years). Symptom persistence was assessed using DSM-5 symptom counts from a standardized instrument. Functional outcomes in various domains (e.g., educational, occupational) were measured with standardized instruments and demographic data.

Three patterns of outcomes were f…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics