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. 2015 Apr;20(2):112-21.
doi: 10.1017/S1092852914000078. Epub 2014 Feb 26.

Daily life impairments associated with childhood/adolescent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as recalled by adults: results from the European Lifetime Impairment Survey

Herve Caci  1 , Philip Asherson  2 , Renato Donfrancesco  3 , Stephen V Faraone  4 , Amaia Hervas  5 , Michael Fitzgerald  6 , Manfred Döpfner  7
Affiliations

Daily life impairments associated with childhood/adolescent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder as recalled by adults: results from the European Lifetime Impairment Survey

Herve Caci et al. CNS Spectr. 2015 Apr.

Abstract

Introduction: The Lifetime Impairment Survey, conducted in Europe, assessed impairment and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in childhood, and experiences of ADHD diagnosis and treatment, as recalled by adults.

Methods: Adults with ADHD and without ADHD (control group) were invited to participate in an internet-based survey and report on their childhood experiences. History of ADHD diagnosis was self-reported. Groups were compared using impairment and symptom scales.

Results: Overall, 588 adults with ADHD and 736 without ADHD participated. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) age at diagnosis of ADHD was 20.0 (12.6) years (median 18.0) following consultation with 3.8 (5.1) doctors (median 2) over 44.6 (69.3) months (median 17.0). A total of 64.1% (377/588) of adults with ADHD reported frustration or difficulties during the diagnostic process. The ADHD group had a higher mean (SD) score versus control for general (3.3 [1.2] vs 2.1 [1.2]; p < 0.001) and school impairment (2.8 [0.7] vs 2.3 [0.6]; p < 0.001) but not home impairment (2.1 [0.5] for both groups). Discussion The survey demonstrated that ADHD had a negative impact on all aspects of childhood investigated, as recalled by adults.

Conclusions: These data provide insights into childhood impairments and identify areas for improvement in the management and treatment of ADHD.

Keywords: treatment.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Co-existing conditions in the ADHD group. Most frequent co-existing conditions diagnosed by a doctor or other healthcare professional, as reported by adults with ADHD. Respondents could select multiple conditions.
Figure 2
Figure 2
General impairment. The effect of recalled childhood and adolescent experiences on everyday life, as reported by adults with ADHD (ADHD group) and without ADHD (control group). ADHD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Impairment at home. Impairment at home as recalled by adults with ADHD and without ADHD (control group). (a) Items with greatest reported differences between groups; (b) items with least reported differences between groups. ADHD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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