A Prospective 30-Year Follow-Up of ADHD Associated With Perinatal Risks

Objective: Longitudinal follow-up of ADHD suggests a poorer outcome in those affected. Studies extending to 30 years however are rare. We investigated the adult outcome of ADHD associated with perinatal risks (PRs), treated non-pharmacologically. Method: A study group of 122 participants (86 men, 36 women) with PR-associated ADHD was followed-up from birth and compared with a control group also prospectively studied. Results: The study group showed more cognitive, motor perception, and learning impairments as well as psychiatric problems at ages 5, 9, and 16. At age 30, the study group reported less education, more involuntary job dismissals and more alcohol abuse. Self-reported ADHD symptoms were still prevalent in adulthood. Conclusion: ADHD symptoms persist and impair the long-term educational, occupational, and psychiatric outcome. ADHD in participants with PR appears to follow a course seen in studies of unselected ADHD.