The burden of untreated ADHD among adults: The role of stimulant medication

The present study investigated to what degree medication with stimulants for children with ADHD will reduce comorbid complications in adulthood. Two groups (N = 17 and N = 74) were defined retrospectively using data from archives at the Expert team for ADHD for Middle and Northern Norway. The groups were compared on the “Index of Burden”, an index constructed on the basis of data from five variables; Alcohol abuse, substance abuse, criminality, the Global Severity Index of SCL-90 and the “Functioning and quality of life” questionnaire. Results showed that treatment with stimulants in childhood/youth contribute to increased social and psychological functioning in adult age.