ADHD Symptoms Continue For Majority Of Kids Even With Treatment

According to a study, 9 out of 10 young kids having moderate to severe ADHD continue to have serious, sometimes severe symptoms and impairment a long time after the original diagnoses and, in many instances, in spite of treatment.

The research reveals that almost 90 % of the 186 children observed continued to have a problem with ADHD symptoms 6 years subsequent to diagnosis. Youngsters using ADHD medication had equally as severe symptoms as children who were not using medication.

Severity of symptom scores didn’t differ significantly between the over 2 thirds of kids on medication and kids off medication. Specifically, 62 % of kids using ADHD medications had hyperactivity and impulsivity, in comparison to 58 % of kids not taking medications. And 65 % of kids on medication had inattention, in comparison to 62 % of kids not taking medications. The researchers caution that it is still not clear if the lack of the effectiveness of medication was because of suboptimal drug dosage or choice, poor adherence, ineffectiveness of medication per se or another reason.

Kids that had oppositional conduct disorder or defiant disorder, as well as ADHD, were 30 % more inclined to have persistent ADHD symptoms 6 years subsequent to diagnosis, in comparison to kids whose only diagnosis was ADHD.

ADHD is regarded as a neurobehavioral condition and is noticeable by lack of ability to concentrate, hyperactivity, restlessness and impulsive behavior. ADHD can have deep and long-lasting consequences on a child’s intellectual and emotional development. It can hinder academic performance, learning, peer and family relationships as well as physical safety. Previous studies have learned that kids with ADHD have a greater risk of injuries as well as hospitalizations. Over 7 % of U.S. kids are presently treated for ADHD.