Editorial: The Long-term Impact of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Lessons From the Past and Directions for the Future.

In this issue of the Journal, Cherkasova et al.1 provide a unique synthesis of 7 prospective longitudinal cohorts of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), all followed into adult life. The authors focus on a diverse range of outcome domains: educational performance, occupational/economic functioning, mental health, physical health, substance use, antisocial behavior, and driving. These not only are important for the quality of life and well-being of people with ADHD, but also have implications for health service use and the wider economic impact on society. Each cohort on its own has already provided significant insights into the course of ADHD and played a key role in our current understanding of the condition. All cohorts have a long follow-up period-in the New York cohort, 33 years after initial evaluation and well into mid-adulthood. The retention rates are impressive, ranging from 60% to 94%. All cohorts employ a comparison group, which is essential in interpreting the reported outcomes. In bringing together the 7 cohorts, the authors present a clear consensus that people with ADHD are at high risk of adverse outcomes in all functional domains. ADHD is considered by some experts to be one of the mental health conditions most responsive to intervention, and, as such, these findings challenge our management of the condition and mandate future research to improve outcomes.