Do symptoms of ADHD at ages 7 and 10 predict academic outcome at age 16 in the general population?

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.