ebook_ADHD2019_engl.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 5% of children and adolescents worldwide. 1 Although symptoms decline with age (up to 65% of affected individuals experience a partial remission), only 15% of children with ADHD show full remission both in terms of symptoms and functional impairment in early adulthood, characterizing ADHD as a chronic disorder. 2 Investigations in adults suggest a prevalence rate around 2.5 to 3%. 3,4 ADHD is highly burdensome, and carries with it significant functional impair- ments, such as social and family life problems, low educational attainment and school dropout, low self-esteem, impairment in emotional development, occupatio- nal problems, and divorce. 2,4 Furthermore, ADHD is associated with a range of other psychiatric comorbidities, especially oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety disorder and learning disabilities in children and substance use disorders, anxiety and mood disorders in adulthood. It also predicts a diversity of negative long-term outcomes, such as future physical injuries, low academic achievement, traffic accidents, pre- mature pregnancy, sexual transmitted diseases, and criminal behavior, amongst others. 2,4 ADHD ASSESSMENT ACROSS THE LIFE SPAN Luis Augusto Rohde David Coghill Philip Asherson Tobias Banaschewski 3