title: Long-Term Outcomes of ADHD: Academic Achievement and Performance.
abstract: Objective:The aim of this study was to synthesize published data regarding long-term effects of ADHD on information learned (measured via achievement tests) and success within the school environment (academic performance).Method:A systematic search identified 176 studies (1980-2012) of long-term (≥2 years) academic outcomes with ADHD.Results:Achievement test outcomes (79%) and academic performance outcomes (75%) were worse in individuals with untreated ADHD compared with non-ADHD controls, also when IQ difference was controlled (72% and 81%, respectively). Improvement in both outcome groups was associated with treatment, more often for achievement test scores (79%) than academic performance (42%), also when IQ was controlled (100% and 57%, respectively). More achievement test and academic performance outcomes improved with multimodal (100% and 67%, respectively) than pharmacological (75% and 33%) or non-pharmacological (75% and 50%) treatment alone.Conclusion:ADHD adversely affects long-term academic outcomes. A greater proportion of achievement test outcomes improved with treatment compared with academic performance. Both improved most consistently with multimodal treatment.
authors.affiliation: Ohio State University, Columbus, USA.
authors.forename: L Eugene
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Arnold
authors.affiliation: Global Health Economics & Outcomes Research, Shire, Wayne, PA, USA.|Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hodgkins
authors.affiliation: BPS International, San Diego, CA, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kahle
authors.affiliation: Behavioural Health Medical Strategy, Shire, Wayne, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Manisha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Madhoo
authors.affiliation: Learning Assessment & Neurocare Centre, West Sussex, UK.
authors.forename: Geoff
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kewley
mesh_terms: D000073978:Academic Performance; D000076363:Academic Success; D000124:Achievement; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning
keywords: ADHD; academic; functional outcomes; systematic review; treatment