Psychopathology in females with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a controlled, five-year prospective study.
BACKGROUND
Despite the importance of understanding the long-term outcome of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the available literature is predominantly based on male samples. This study estimated the lifetime burden of comorbid psychopathology in a large sample of girls with and without ADHD followed up over five years.


METHODS
We conducted a blind, five-year prospective longitudinal study of girls with (n=140) and without (n=122) ADHD, aged 6-18 years at baseline, consecutively ascertained from either community pediatricians or psychiatrists at an academic medical center. At the five-year follow-up, 123 (88%) and 112 (92%) of the ADHD and control children, respectively, were re-assessed at a mean age of 16.7 years. Psychiatric disorders were assessed using blinded structured diagnostic interviews.


RESULTS
At follow-up, females with ADHD were at significantly higher risk than controls to manifest disruptive behavior, mood and anxiety disorders, and substance dependence. The magnitude of increased risk was greatest for major depression and oppositional-defiant disorder, followed by substance dependence and anxiety disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
These prospective follow-up findings documenting high morbidity associated with ADHD extend to females previously reported findings in male samples and underscore the importance of early recognition and intervention efforts for youth with ADHD of both genders.
Biederman
Joseph
J
Pediatric Psychopharmacology Unit of the Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, 32 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. jbeiderman@partners.org
Monuteaux
Michael C
MC
Mick
Eric
E
Spencer
Thomas
T
Wilens
Timothy E
TE
Klein
Kristy L
KL
Price
Julia E
JE
Faraone
Stephen V
SV
D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D015995:Prevalence; D011599:Psychopathology; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013997:Time Factors