Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry Volume 44 Issue 1 Page 88 - January 2003
Developmental course of ADHD
symptomatology during the transition from childhood to adolescence: a review
with recommendations
Michael T. Willoughby
Although historically
conceptualized as a disorder that was limited to males during middle
childhood, ADHD is currently conceptualized as a chronic disorder that
persists into adolescence and adulthood for both sexes. Nonetheless, the
veracity of adult ADHD continues to be the source of debate. In order to
frame this debate, research leading to the conceptualization of ADHD as a
chronic disorder is reviewed. A distinction is made between the
developmental outcomes versus the developmental course of ADHD. It is
concluded that although childhood ADHD is associated with negative
developmental outcomes in adolescence and adulthood, questions about the
developmental course of ADHD remain. Although it appears that ADHD
diminishes with advancing age, a number of methodological limitations
prohibit firm conclusions. Recommendations for future studies are made with
an emphasis on 1) overcoming extant methodological limitations in the
literature and 2) the need for theoretically derived hypotheses regarding
continuity and change in ADHD symptomatology over time.
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND
MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.