Men diagnosed with ADHD as children have worse outcomes as adults

One hundred and thirty-five white men who were diagnosed at age 8 with ADHD have been compared with 136 white men without ADHD, to determine whether the diagnosis has an impact on educational, occupational, economic, social and marital outcomes, and to determine whether those diagnosed with ADHD in childhood have higher rates of ongoing ADHD, antisocial personality disorder (ASP), substance use disorders (SUDs), adult-onset psychiatric disorders and hospitalisations, and incarcerations, than non-ADHD participants.

The prospective, 33-year follow-up study showed that those diagnosed with ADHD had worse educational, occupational, economic and social outcomes, more divorces and higher rates of ongoing ADHD.

Source: The Archives of General Psychiatry

First published in October 2012

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