Predictors of persistence of ADHD into adulthood: a systematic review of the literature and meta‐analysis

While ADHD improves over time, many will experience some ADHD symptoms even after they grow into adults.

However, there has not been a lot of research on what factors make it more likely for someone to experience persistent ADHD.

Researchers in this study collected data from 16 other studies that looked at potential risk factors for ADHD persistence into adulthood.

These studies looked back over time at the pasts of those with ADHD. They also included data from follow-ups of childhood ADHD studies.

Researchers found four factors that were significantly linked with persistent ADHD. Children with ADHD, who had any of these factors, were at a much higher risk of continuing to have ADHD as adults.

For example, children with severe ADHD were more than twice as likely to have ADHD when they reached adulthood compared to someone who did not have severe ADHD.

It’s important to keep in mind, however, that these are correlations rather than causations. They show us statistical links between factors, but they don’t necessarily show whether one factor causes another. For example, the second most significant factor found was ADHD treatment. However, it’s unlikely that ADHD treatment itself is directly causing ADHD persistence.

Researchers also examined factors such as IQ, gender, and socioeconomic status. None of these other factors were significantly linked with ADHD persistence. Boys were not necessarily more likely to have ADHD persist to adulthood than girls.

The authors suggest that we may need more studies to understand the risk factors for ADHD persistence better. The data in this study were gathered from studies conducted for other purposes. A study specifically designed to examine ADHD persistent risk factors will tell us more about ways we can help children get better from their ADHD symptoms.