Developmental perspectives on ADHD, treatment implications, and achieving good outcomes

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that usually starts early in life and usually remains impairing into adulthood. Despite many continuities across development, there are also developmental changes in presentation, comorbidities, and approaches to treatment at different life stages. This chapter focusses on these developmental issues and gives some guidance about the ways that clinical practice and decision-making differ across childhood, adolescence, and into young adulthood.