Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Adolescents: A Review of the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Clinical Implications

Wolraich, Mark L.; Wibbelsman, Charles J.; Brown, Thomas E.; Evans, Steven W.; Gotlieb, Edward M.; Knight, John R.; Ross, E. Clarke; Shubiner, Howard H.; Wender, Esther H.; Wilens, Timothy

doi:10.1542/peds.2004-1959

Cited by 404Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderChild and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional DevelopmentBehavioral and Psychological Studies

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Adolescents: A Review of the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Clinical Implications

Wolraich, Mark L., Wibbelsman, Charles J., Brown, Thomas E., Evans, Steven W., Gotlieb, Edward M., Knight, John R., Ross, E. Clarke, Shubiner, Howard H. +2 more·2005·Pediatrics

DOI 10.1542/peds.2004-1959

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Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common mental disorder in childhood, and primary care clinicians provide a major component of the care for children with ADHD. However, because of limited available evidence, the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines did not include adolescents and young adults. Contrary to previous beliefs, it has become clear that, in most cases, ADHD does not resolve once children enter puberty. This article reviews the current evidence about the diagnosis and treatment of adolescents and young adults with ADHD and describes how the information informs practice. It describes some of the unique characteristics observed among adolescents, as well as how the core symptoms change with maturity. The diagnostic process is discussed, as well as approaches to the care of adolescents to improve adherences. Both psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions are reviewed, and there is a discussion of these patients' transition into young adulthood. The article also indicates that research is needed to identify the unique adolescent characteristics of ADHD and effective psychosocial and pharmacologic treatments.

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Appropriate diagnosis of ADHD can be accomplished in the primary care setting for children and adolescents.
“There is evidence that appropriate diagnosis can be accomplished in the primary care setting for children and adolescents.30,31”
From Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents (2019) · cites this paper as [31]
The risks of mood and anxiety disorders and risky sexual behaviors increase during adolescence, as do the risks of intentional self-harm and suicidal behaviors.
“In addition, the risks of mood and anxiety disorders and risky sexual behaviors increase during adolescence, as do the risks of intentional self-harm and suicidal behaviors.31”
From Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents (2019) · cites this paper as [31]
Previous research has found that adolescents with ADHD often underreport symptoms, suggesting a lack of insight into their condition.
“As alluded to, previous research has found that adolescents with ADHD often underreport symptoms, suggesting a lack of insight into their condition; therefore, patient self-reported QOL in this population may not provide an accurate assessment (Wolraich et al. 2005)”
From Participant-Perceived Quality of Life in a Long-Term, Open-Label Trial of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (2014) · cites this paper as Wolraich et al. 2005
Patient self-reported QOL in adolescents with ADHD may not provide an accurate assessment.
“therefore, patient self-reported QOL in this population may not provide an accurate assessment (Wolraich et al. 2005)”
From Participant-Perceived Quality of Life in a Long-Term, Open-Label Trial of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (2014) · cites this paper as Wolraich et al. 2005

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Authors: Wolraich, M. L., Wibbelsman, C. J., Brown, T. E., Evans, S. W., Gotlieb, E. M., Knight, J. R., Ross, E. C., Shubiner, H. H., Wender, E. H., & Wilens, T.
Affiliations: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (US)
Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center (US)
Yale University (US)
James Madison University (US)
Emory University (US)
Harvard University (US)
Children and Adults With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Landover, Maryland
Providence Hospital, Mobile, Alabama
University of Washington (US)
Corresponding author: Wolraich, Mark L.
ORCID: Brown, Thomas E.
Evans, Steven W.
Knight, John R.
Wilens, Timothy
Venue: Pediatrics
Publisher: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
Published: 2005-06-01
Volume: 115
Issue: 6
Pages: 1734-1746
ISSN: 0031-4005 (ISSN-L)
1098-4275
DOI: 10.1542/peds.2004-1959
OpenAlex: W2018083579
Cited by: 404
References: 10
Citations by year: 2026: 3 · 2025: 9 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 6 · 2022: 7 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 10 · 2018: 11 · 2017: 16 · 2016: 24 · 2015: 22 · 2014: 36 · 2013: 32 · 2012: 26
FWCI: 4.31
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: PEDIATRICS (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (R04-CCR321831)
Topics: Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
Social Sciences › Psychology › Developmental and Educational Psychology › Behavioral and Psychological Studies
Keywords: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, adolescents, young adults, ADHD diagnosis, ADHD treatment, psychosocial interventions, pharmacotherapy, medication adherence, transition to young adulthood, puberty, American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, primary care
MeSH terms: Atomoxetine Hydrochloride, Adolescent, Central Nervous System Stimulants, Antidepressive Agents, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Automobile Driving, Mental Disorders, Child, Clonidine, Continuity of Patient Care, Family Health, Female, Forecasting, Health Services Accessibility, Humans, Male, Intellectual Disability, Patient Compliance, Propylamines, Puberty, Risk, Comorbidity, Case Management, Insurance Coverage, Substance-Related Disorders

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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among Adolescents: A Review of the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Clinical Implications

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