The Strain of ADHD as it Leads into Adulthood

Helen Holmes March 05, 2013

A population-based, long-term study shows that children with ADHD will more than likely take it through into adulthood, and are more susceptible to developing psychiatric disorders later in life.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common condition affecting a significant number of children worldwide. It is characterised by problems in attentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, or a combination of these behaviours. Many people think that ADHD is a disorder that simply goes away in time. However, a new research found it is not. Worse, children with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems in adulthood while some are more likely to commit suicide, and are often incarcerated.

The study, conducted by Boston Children’s Hospital and Mayo clinic found that only a small ’37.5 per cent of the children’ that were followed in the long-term research were actually free from the troubles of ADHD, William Barbaresi mentioned in the April 2013 edition of the journal Paediatrics. Out of the 5,718 children involved in the study, 367 were diagnosed with ADHD. About three-quarters of these children received treatments, and 232 of them participated in the follow-up study.

The results showed that more than half (57 per cent) of children with ADHD developed at least one other psychiatric disorder as adults. Among the most common mental illnesses they had were substance abuse, hypomanic disorder, generalised anxiety, major depression and antisocial personality disorder. In the case of children with ADHD until adulthood, 81 per cent developed other psychiatric issues. Moreover, a small number (1.9 per cent) committed suicide and 2.7 per cent were incarcerated.

Call for a more systematic approach for ADHD

Being one of the world’s most common form of neuro-developmental disorder affecting around 7% of children, of which three times are more likely to be boys than girls, studies regarding ADHD have only been directed toward the severe end of the neuro-development disorder spectrum. This study is the first of its kind to provide concrete evidences that demonstrate the link between ADHD and other psychiatric disorders in adulthood. The significance and uniqueness of the research is the fact that it was conducted over a long period of time, using a large pool of data gathered from a large population.

The findings of the study suggest that there has to be a more systematic approach for ADHD – one that is ‘designed for the long haul’ as Dr Barbaresi puts it. He advises parents of ADHD sufferers to ensure high quality of treatment for their children which should carry on until adolescence. They should also be monitored for learning difficulties and symptoms of other mental disorders.

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ADHD takes a toll well into adulthood