Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Does it disappear in adulthood?

Researchers have found that not only persists, but that children diagnosed of the so-called ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are more vulnerable to suffer in adulthood, certain psychiatric disorders. ADHD is one of the disorders that affect neurological development and, according to doctors, affects approximately 7% of the child population, more common among boys than girls.

Investigating the evolving disorder attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known by its acronym ADHD was the goal of this new research, and has shown an increase in the odds of developing other psychiatric disorders when patients reach adulthood.

According to data obtained by the researchers of the study, only 37.5% of children with ADHD who were followed did not develop any other disorder when he reached adulthood. Some results that the researchers themselves qualify for worrying and stress the importance of improving the long-term treatment and, above all, provide mechanisms and necessary tools for treatment in adulthood.

The ADHD, as noted, is a disorder directly related to neurological development that occurs during childhood. It is estimated, according to doctors, which affects approximately 7% of the child population, in this case being more common among boys than girls (in a ratio of 3-1). In this case, the study was based on follow-up, from infancy to adulthood.

The study found that 29% of children with ADHD had the disorder to reach adulthood and more than 57% developed or suffered other psychiatric disorder as they grow older. Among the most common disorders researchers identified anxiety, depression, substance abuse or dependence, hypomanic or antisocial personality disorder.

With these results, the researchers want to emphasize that we must banish the idea so far maintained that ADHD is a disorder of childhood only because its presence can be maintained in adulthood. Hence the importance to continue to invest in improved treatments from the perspective that this is a disorder that can be chronic. One approach, researchers, similar to that followed with other health problems like diabetes. The study yielded more results. Thus, children who upon reaching adulthood ADHD still had over 80% had at least one other psychiatric disorder, compared with 47% of those who no longer had ADHD.