Childhood Symptoms of ADHD Overrule Comorbidity in Relation to Psychosocial Outcome at Age 15: A Longitudinal Study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137475
• Publication Date: 2015-09-11T17:52:36Z
• Authors: Eva Norén Selinus; Yasmina Molero; Paul Lichtenstein; Tomas Larson; Sebastian Lundström; Henrik Anckarsäter; Clara Hellner Gum...
• Keywords: Odds; Telephone interview; Longitudinal Study; Psychiatric comorbidity

Objective Neurodevelopmental problems (NDPs) may influence the transition from childhood to adolescence. Our aim was study long-term psychosocial outcomes of NDPs, focusing on ADHD. Method Data collected through a telephone interview with parents twins at ages 9 or 12 years. NDP screen-positive children were clinically assessed age 15; N = 450. Psychosocial outcome concerning peers, school, internalizing problems, antisocial behavior, alcohol misuse, drug and impaired daily functioning examined. Results Even after controlling for other comorbidity, screen-positivity ADHD doubled tripled odds later problems. When parental education level, significant effect remained only behavior functioning. Conclusions Signs NDPs as well psychiatric diagnoses years are associated more problematic However, despite presence early symptoms stand out most important risk factor development