Persistence of attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder into adulthood : a study conducted on parents of children diagnosed with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder

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Authors

Mahomedy, Z.
Van der Westhuizen, Deborah
Van der Linde, Michael J. (Mike)
Coetsee, Judy

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

In House Publications

Abstract

Objective: To determine the persistence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) into adulthood in parents of children diagnosed with ADHD and currently attending child and adolescent psychiatric clinics (located at a tertiary academic hospital and a community based clinic). Method: A structured questionnaire was completed by 58 parents of ADHD children. Those parents identified as having childhood ADHD were further required to complete a screening questionnaire for adult ADHD. Results: 37.9% (22) of the 58 participants were found to have had childhood ADHD. Of these 22 participants 36.4% (8) were still found to have symptoms suggestive of ADHD. Conclusion: Childhood ADHD has been reconceptualised as a lifespan disorder. Our study was in keeping with other studies showing a persistence of ADHD symptoms into adulthood.

Description

Previously published as the Journal of Depression and Anxiety until Volume 4, Issue 4, Nov 2001, ISSN 15600181. First volume of the South African Psychiatry Review published as Volume 5, Issue 1, Feb 2002, ISSN 18117805. Advertisement(s) omitted on page(s) 99-102.

Keywords

ADHD (Child behavior disorder), Adult ADHD, Comorbid Substance use

Sustainable Development Goals

Citation

Mahomedy, Z, Van der Westhuizen, D, Van der Linde, MJ, Coetsee, J 2007, 'Persistence of attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder into adulthood : a study conducted on parents of children diagnosed with attention deficit / hyperactivity disorder', South African Psychiatry Review, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 93-98. [http://www.journals.co.za/ej/ejour_medjda.html]