ADHD is common, mostly genetic and treatable but not curable

This expert review sums up research on ADHD in children, teenagers and adults. It has no sample of its own.

The authors describe ADHD as common and mostly genetic. About 5.3% of school-aged children have it. Two-thirds of children with ADHD still have impairing symptoms as adults, at full or milder levels. Children with ADHD were more likely to have conduct problems, depression and anxiety.

The review says diagnosis is reliable when done with standard criteria through a clinical interview. No test or scan is accurate enough to diagnose ADHD on its own. There is no cure. Medicines are effective for core symptoms and are usually well tolerated. Behavioral therapy helped children's behavior and their parents' skills, though one figure in the review calls its evidence for core symptoms less consistent. In adults, talk therapy (CBT) helped anxiety, depression, self-esteem and emotional control. It did not cut core symptoms as much as stimulant medicine.

The authors note limits. Most genetic studies used people of European ancestry. No one can yet predict who will respond to a treatment.

The authors suggest that clinicians diagnose ADHD through a clinical interview, never a checklist alone, and reassess treatment at least once a year.

Talk to a clinician about your own situation.