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ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders
Published in: ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders 2/2014

Open Access 01-06-2014 | Original Article

Childhood and persistent ADHD symptoms associated with educational failure and long-term occupational disability in adult ADHD

Authors: Mats Fredriksen, Alv A. Dahl, Egil W. Martinsen, Ole Klungsoyr, Stephen V. Faraone, Dawn E. Peleikis

Published in: ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders | Issue 2/2014

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Abstract

Few studies have examined the impact of childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms on adult ADHD functional outcomes. To address this issue dimensionally, ADHD symptoms in childhood and adulthood and their relation to educational deficits and work disability are studied in a clinical sample of adult patients with previously untreated ADHD. About 250 adults diagnosed systematically with ADHD according to DSM-IV were prospectively recruited. Primary outcomes were high school dropout and being out of the work last year. Childhood ADHD symptoms, sex differences, comorbidities of other mental disorders, and adult ADHD symptoms were examined by historical data, clinician interviews, and questionnaires. High levels of ADHD symptom severity in childhood were related to dropping out of high school [odds ratio (OR) = 3.0], as were higher numbers of hyperactive–impulsive symptoms in childhood. Significantly, more women than men were long-term work disabled (OR = 2.0). After adjusting for age and gender, persisting high levels of ADHD inattention symptoms in adulthood (OR = 2.5), number of comorbid disorders, and particularly anxiety disorders were significantly related to long-term work disability. Childhood hyperactive–impulsive symptoms and overall severity of childhood ADHD symptoms were associated with high school dropout rates; however, persisting ADHD inattention symptoms and comorbid mental disorders in adulthood were more correlated to occupational impairment. These findings underline proposals for studies on early recognition and interventions for ADHD and psychiatric comorbidity. They further suggest that inattentive symptoms be a focus of adult ADHD treatment and that workplace interventions be considered to prevent long-term work disability.
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Metadata
Title
Childhood and persistent ADHD symptoms associated with educational failure and long-term occupational disability in adult ADHD
Authors
Mats Fredriksen
Alv A. Dahl
Egil W. Martinsen
Ole Klungsoyr
Stephen V. Faraone
Dawn E. Peleikis
Publication date
01-06-2014
Publisher
Springer Vienna
Published in
ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 1866-6116
Electronic ISSN: 1866-6647
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12402-014-0126-1

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