Childhood ADHD linked to broader adult challenges in 18-year study

An 18-year longitudinal study of Dutch participants shows that childhood ADHD is linked to broader adult difficulties across mental health, cognitive performance, education, daily functioning, and health; 45% meet the criteria for adult ADHD and 18% have major depressive disorder, with the strongest risks in those whose ADHD persists into adulthood. Siblings without childhood ADHD largely function like controls, while many adults with childhood ADHD still function comparably to non-ADHD peers, suggesting variability in outcomes. Limitations include a homogeneous sample and participant drop-out.