Unimodal Versus Multimodal Treatment in the Context of ADHD Symptom Persistence into Adulthood

Abstract

As more children and adults are diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it is important to inform the general population about the extensive yet complex nature of the disorder. If left untreated, ADHD can negatively impact the academic, social, and economical aspects of a person’s life. The concept of ADHD has historically shifted from decade to decade, each time focusing on a different etiology as well as symptoms. The main piece of literature examined in this paper is the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA), a 14-month randomized clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to determine the most effective method of treatment for ADHD. Four methods were introduced: medication, behavioral, combined (medication and behavioral), and community (already available) treatment. Results from the study indicated medication to be the most efficient treatment due to its convenience and cost-effectiveness. However, contemporary research revealed the persistence of ADHD symptoms into adulthood, and how they can negatively affect the educational, occupational, and emotional aspects of adult life. Further supplementary research showcases people’s willingness to expend more resources to prevent greater losses in the future. Along with newly found efficacy of behavioral therapy in ADHD with anxiety comorbidity which is a leading predictor in ADHD persistence into adulthood, this paper suggests the multimodal combined treatment to be the most optimal mode of treatment. In summary, the purpose of this review is to inform the reader of ADHD as well as propose a novel and optimal treatment for those with persistence of ADHD symptoms into adulthood.