Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder - Prognosis

Children who have been properly diagnosed with ADHD and who do not receive treatment may experience serious problems. They tend to develop low self-esteem and often have problems relating to other children. Their education may also suffer because of teachers who think of them as slow learners or troublemakers. Parents and siblings (brothers and sisters) may also develop negative feelings toward the ADHD child. Over time, ADHD children are also likely to develop learning disorders or emotional problems, such as depression or anxiety disorders.

ADHD can also lead to an even more serous problem known as conduct disorder. Among adolescents diagnosed with both ADHD and conduct disorder, up to 25 percent go on to become criminals, drug abusers, or suicide victims.

Approximately 70 to 80 percent of ADHD patients who receive drug treatment experience significant improvement in their condition, at least on a short-term basis. About half of all ADHD children seem to outgrow the disorder by the end of adolescence. The other half seem to retain some or all symptoms of ADHD as adults.