Study: ADHD In Children Can Last Into Adulthood

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is the most common developmental disorder affecting children.

Now for the first time, researchers followed children into adulthood and found ADHD has lasting effects.

The study found a third of the 7 percent of children continued to have ADHD in adulthood.

The new study also found 57 percent of children with ADHD had at least one other psychiatric disorder as adults including substance abuse, anxiety and depression.

People with ADHD have difficulty organizing and meeting deadlines -- and can struggle academically.

"Those things will take a toll on a child's self-esteem and motivation," said Dr. Mary Solanto, of Mount Sinai Medical Center. "These are the things that can carry on into adulthood."

The study also showed that children with ADHD were also more likely to commit suicide and be incarcerated as adults.