Learn what a typical Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder prognosis is at Consumer Reports Health.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

What will happen to my child?

Life can be tough for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are often in trouble at school, can't finish games and find it difficult to make friends.

And it's not easy being the parent of a child who seems intent on creating family turmoil.

Source:
Landgraf JM, Rich M, Rappaport L.
Measuring quality of life in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and their families: development and evaluation of a new tool.
Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. 2002; 156: 384-391.

Source:
National Institute of Mental Health.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
National Institute of Health. 2003. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm#cause (accessed 6 October 2008).

But a child's outlook can improve dramatically with the right treatment and support.

Below we've summarized what studies tell us about children with ADHD.

About one-third of children completely grow out of ADHD. But around 7 in 10 children with ADHD still have it when they are teenagers. Between 6 in 10 and 7 in 10 teenagers with ADHD still have it as adults.

Source:
Jadad AR, Boyle M, Cunningham C, et al.
Treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Evidence Report/ Technology Assessment/ Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research and Quality. 1999; 2: 1-341.

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Without treatment, your child's disruptive behavior could stop him or her from learning or developing. Children with ADHD are also more likely to have depression and anxiety than other children. In fact, 1 in 3 children with ADHD will need to use mental-health services.

Source:
Pastor PN, Reuben CA.
Attention deficit disorder and learning disability: United States, 1997-1998.
Vital and Health Statistics. 2002; 10: 206. 1-12.

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The pressure of living with a child with ADHD can put a lot of strain on the family. Teenagers with ADHD are more likely to be in a traffic accident, smoke, get pregnant or fail at school than other children.

Source:
Elia J, Ambrosini PJ, Rapoport JL.
Treatment of attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder.
New England Journal of Medicine. 1999; 340: 780-788.

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But, with treatment, the outlook is far brighter for your child. Many children with ADHD go on to lead normal lives.

Source:
Hechtman L.
Predictors of long-term outcome in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Pediatric Clinics of North America. 1999; 46: 1039-1052.

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What to expect year by year

Living with a child who has ADHD can be difficult. Knowing what to expect as your child grows up may help you cope better. Click on the links below to learn more.

Sources for the information on this page:

Landgraf JM, Rich M, Rappaport L.Measuring quality of life in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and their families: development and evaluation of a new tool.Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. 2002; 156: 384-391.

National Institute of Mental Health.Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.National Institute of Health. 2003. Available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm#cause (accessed 6 October 2008).

Jadad AR, Boyle M, Cunningham C, et al.Treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Evidence Report/ Technology Assessment/ Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research and Quality. 1999; 2: 1-341.

Pastor PN, Reuben CA.Attention deficit disorder and learning disability: United States, 1997-1998.Vital and Health Statistics. 2002; 10: 206. 1-12.

Elia J, Ambrosini PJ, Rapoport JL.Treatment of attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder.New England Journal of Medicine. 1999; 340: 780-788.

Hechtman L.Predictors of long-term outcome in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.Pediatric Clinics of North America. 1999; 46: 1039-1052.

This information was last updated on May 12, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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