Predictors of Quality of Life and Functional Impairments in Emerging Adults With and Without ADHD: A 10-Year Longitudinal Study

• Published in: Journal of attention disorders Vol. 27; no. 5; pp. 458 - 469
• Main Authors: Orm, Stian, Øie, Merete Glenne, Fossum, Ingrid Nesdal, Fjermestad, Krister, Andersen, Per Normann, Skogli, Erik Winther
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-03-2023
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity - diagnosis; Child; Executive Function; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Neuropsychological Tests; Quality of Life; ADHD; anxiety; functional impairments; depression; quality of life; longitudinal; executive function
• ISSN: 1087-0547; 1557-1246
• DOI: 10.1177/10870547231153962

Objective:
We tested the hypotheses that (1) a diagnosis of ADHD in childhood or adolescence is associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) and everyday functioning in emerging adulthood, and (2) executive function (EF) deficits, internalizing difficulties, and ADHD symptoms predict reduced QoL and more functional impairments.
Method:
We assessed 85 children and adolescents with ADHD and 50 typically developing (TD) peers at baseline (Mage = 11.6 years, 58% males), 2-year follow-up, and 10-year follow-up with neuropsychological tests of EF and self-reports.
Results:
Individuals with ADHD reported lower QoL and functional impairments in emerging adulthood compared to TD peers. More internalizing difficulties and ADHD symptoms at baseline and 2-year follow-up significantly predicted lower QoL and more functional impairments at the 10-year follow-up.
Conclusion
ADHD and internalizing difficulties in childhood or adolescence have a negative impact on QoL and everyday functioning in emerging adulthood.