The burden of untreated ADHD among adults: the role of stimulant medication.
The present study investigated to what degree medication with stimulants for children with ADHD will reduce comorbid complications in adulthood. Two groups (N=17 and N=74) were defined retrospectively using data from archives at the Expert team for ADHD for Middle and Northern Norway. The groups were compared on the "Index of Burden", an index constructed on the basis of data from five variables; Alcohol abuse, substance abuse, criminality, the Global Severity Index of SCL-90 and the "Functioning and quality of life" questionnaire. Results showed that treatment with stimulants in childhood/youth contribute to increased social and psychological functioning in adult age.
Goksøyr
Per Kristian
PK
St. Olav University Hospital, Regional secure unit, Breset, Brosetveien 100, P.O. Box 1803 Lade, 7440 Trondheim, Norway. per.kristian.goksoyr@stolav.no
Nøttestad
Jim Aage
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000209:etiology; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003415:Crime; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000209:etiology
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants