ADHD Symptoms Linked to Poorer Health-Related Quality of Life in Children

Strategic Insights -

Research published in the Journal of Attention Disorders has found that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms are associated with significantly lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children aged 4 to 17 years. The study, conducted by Deakin University, analyzed data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children and found that children with ADHD symptoms had a mean difference of 7.65 in HRQoL across all domains from 4 to 17 years compared to those with no ADHD symptoms.

Key Takeaways:

  • Children with ADHD symptoms had significantly lower HRQoL across all domains from 4 to 17 years, with a mean difference of 7.65 (95% CI [6.09, 9.19]).
  • Internalizing and externalizing problems slightly attenuated the association between ADHD symptoms and children's HRQoL, with a mean difference of 4.91 (95% CI [3.40, 6.43]).
  • Co-occurring medical conditions and poor caregiver mental health were associated with poorer child HRQoL.
  • ADHD treatment needs to identify and address co-occurring conditions and parental mental health.

Statistics:

  • 4,194 children aged 4 to 17 years participated in the study.
  • Children with ADHD symptoms had a mean difference of 7.65 in HRQoL across all domains from 4 to 17 years.
  • Internalizing and externalizing problems attenuated the association between ADHD symptoms and children's HRQoL by 34.4% (mean difference of 4.91).
  • 13.4% of children with ADHD symptoms had co-occurring medical conditions.
  • 21.5% of caregivers with children with ADHD symptoms had poor mental health.

Sources:

1. The Long-Term Impact of ADHD on Children and Adolescents' Health-Related Quality of Life: Results From a Longitudinal Population-Based Australian Study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 2025:10870547251353366.

2. NewsRx. Deakin University Reports Findings in Mental Health Diseases and Conditions (The Long-Term Impact of ADHD on Children and Adolescents' Health-Related Quality of Life: Results From a Longitudinal Population-Based Australian Study). Pediatrics Week. August 2, 2025; p 197.

3. Deakin University. Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. (Source: "The Long-Term Impact of ADHD on Children and Adolescents' Health-Related Quality of Life: Results From a Longitudinal Population-Based Australian Study")