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Long-Term Outcomes of ADHD: A Systematic Review of Self-Esteem and Social Function
ADHD's Long-Term Effects on Self-Esteem and Social Interaction
V Harpin , L Mazzone , J P Raynaud , J Kahle , P Hodgkins
Summarized by:
Charles Li, MD
September 15, 2023
study source
J Atten Disord
Apr 2016
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What they studied
How do untreated and treated ADHD affect individuals' self-esteem and social function in the long term?
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What they found
Individuals with untreated ADHD had poorer long-term self-esteem and social function compared to non-ADHD controls, but treatment appeared to improve these outcomes.
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What this means
Treating ADHD can potentially enhance self-esteem and social functionality, suggesting the significance of early intervention and sustained treatment plans.
Long-Term Outcomes of ADHD: A Systematic Review of Self-Esteem and Social Function
Objectives
Individual studies and small experiments have linked ADHD with lower self-esteem and social functioning.
Researchers in this study wanted to see the long-term effects of ADHD on self-esteem and social functioning across different life stages.
Study Quote
To compare the long-term self-esteem and social function outcomes of individuals with untreated and treated ADHD across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
Methods
Researchers conducted a systematic review of 127 studies covering ADHD and self-esteem or social function. They analyzed data from untreated patients as well as patients who were treated with medication.
Study Quote
A systematic search of 12 databases was performed to identify peer-reviewed, primary research articles, published January 1980 to December 2011, reporting long-term self-esteem and/or social function outcomes (≥2 years; life consequences distinct from symptoms) of individuals with untre...
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Results
Most studies found that those with ADHD had lower self-esteem and social functioning. Those with ADHD were less able to make friends and maintain strong, healthy relationships.
Most studies on ADHD, self-esteem, and social functioning found that those with ADHD had lower self-esteem and lower social functioning.
Interestingly, ADHD treatment was associated with improvements in both self-esteem and social functioning across most studies that examined it.
Most studies on ADHD, self-esteem, and social functioning found that medication improved self-esteem and social functioning
The researchers noted that most treatment types, including medication and non-medication treatments, improved self-esteem and social functioning.
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we found that many types of treatment were often reported to be associated with significantly improved long- term social function outcomes, often with large effect sizes. Response to treatment across treatment types (pharmaco- logical, nonpharmacological, and MMT) was similar for self-esteem and social function outcomes, and similar between the different treatment types
Study Quote
Overall, 127 studies reported 150 outcomes. Most outcomes were poorer in individuals with untreated ADHD versus non-ADHD controls (57% [13/23] for self-esteem; 73% [52/71] for social function). A beneficial response to treatment (pharmacological, nonpharmacological, and multimodal treatm...
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Conclusions
Researchers concluded that ADHD is linked with lower self-esteem and social functioning. These results suggest thatADHD treatments can lead to benefits beyond just the core ADHD symptoms. They can potentially improve the social life and self-esteem of those with ADHD.
The authors suggested that those with ADHD may want to measure and track self-esteem in their patients to evaluate how well a particular ADHD medication is working.
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As two of the core impairments specified in the DSM-IV-TR and International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10; APA, 2000; WHO, 1992), improvement of self-esteem and social function is an objective of treatment in ADHD. Clinicians may want to consider measuring these parameters as they monitor treatment response, and discuss appropriate goals with patients with ADHD and their families.
Study Quote
Untreated ADHD was associated with poorer long-term self-esteem and social function outcomes compared with non-ADHD controls. Treatment for ADHD was associated with improvement in outcomes; however, further long-term outcome studies are needed.