[The significance of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder for the future of the child and the young].

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in not necessarily a phenomenon passing away with childhood, instead in some patients attention problems continue, causing disturbances until adulthood. ADHD hampers studying and getting along in working life, social relationships as well as traffic skills. ADHD is also associated with increased risk of substance abuse and criminal behavior. Several studies have shown that stimulant medication and psychosocial forms of treatment are able to reduce long-term handicaps of ADHD and associated psychiatric morbidity.