Evolution of children diagnosed with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Follow-up study in a Spanish simple.

Abstract

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition with long-term associated risks. To analyze the clinical status, occupation, and daily life difficulties of two cohorts of children diagnosed with ADHD (2004 and 2009) after five and 10 years. Descriptive, longitudinal study using the WOMI database corresponding to Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. Children with ADHD detected by their primary care pediatrician were included. A voluntary follow-up telephone interview was requested. Outcome variables were current clinical and occupational status, ADHD symptoms according to SNAP-IV, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The interviewed sample consisted of 95 subjects, out of whom 71 answered the SNAP-IV and SDQ questionnaires; 60.70% of the sample did not receive treatment at the time of follow-up, 4.7% had no occupation, 25.40% still had ADHD global symptoms above the clinical cutoff point, and 66.2% had difficulties with moderate interference. ADHD symptoms decline as people grow up. Mental health comorbidities and academic dropout were not confirmed in the sample.