Neuropsychological and Symptom Predictors of Diagnostic Persistence in ADHD: A 25-Year Follow-up Study

Background: This study extends long-term predictive research on ADHD by including both neuropsychological and symptom measures at baseline in adolescence as predictors of diagnostic persistence 25 years later. Methods: Nineteen males with ADHD and 26 healthy controls (HC; M/F = 13/13), were assessed in adolescence and 25 years later. Measurements at baseline included a comprehensive test battery measuring eight neuropsychological domains, an IQ estimate, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and the Global Assessment Scale of Symptoms. Differences between ADHD Retainers, Remitters, and HC were calculated with ANOVAs, and potential predictions of differences in the ADHD group by linear regression analyses. Results: Eleven (58%) participants retained their ADHD diagnoses at follow-up. Motor Coordination and Visual perception at baseline predicted diagnosis at follow-up. CBCL Attention problems at baseline in the ADHD group predicted variance in diagnostic status. Conclusion: Lower-order neuropsychological functions related to motor function and perception are important long-time predictors of persistence of ADHD.