Do Symptoms of ADHD at Ages 7 and 10 Predict Academic Outcome at Age 16 in the General Population?. (November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holmberg, Kirsten; Bölte, Sven
• Is Part Of: Journal of attention disorders. Volume 18:Number 8(2014:Nov.)
• Page Start: 635
• Page End: 645
• Publication Date: 2014-11
• Subjects: academic outcome -- ADHD -- adolescents -- Conners 10-item scale -- schoolchildren; Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder -- Periodicals; Attention -- Periodicals; 616.8589
• DOI: 10.1177/1087054712452136
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1087-0547

Abstract

Objective: To examine the value of the Conners 10-item scale to predict academic outcomes at age 16 years in schoolchildren aged 7 and 10 years.Method: A cohort study of N = 544 children in a municipality of Stockholm County was conducted. Using the parent and teacher version of the Conners 10-item scale, 7- and 10-year-olds were screened for ADHD symptoms and followed-up for school outcome at age 16 years.Results: The best predictors for school outcome at age 16 years were the Conners items, "child failing to finish tasks" and "being inattentive, easily distracted, " with a high specificity (90%-97%) but low sensitivity (18%-39%).Conclusion: This study indicates a considerable association between certain symptoms of inattentiveness in young schoolchildren and academic underachievement at age 16 years. Screening for one to two symptoms of inattention in schoolchildren identifies 30% to 40% of participants at risk for later poor school attainment.