A study being reported in the American Journal of Psychiatry has found that girls with ADHD are more likely to develop other mental health issues than their non-ADHD counterparts. The study tracked 187 girls (96 with ADHD, 91 without) for 11 years, having them answer standard psychiatric diagnostic questions.

“The researchers found that by the age of 30, more than three-quarters of the ADHD group had suffered depression at some point in their lives, versus less than one-quarter of the comparison group. Similar differences emerged for other types of disorders.” [Source: Reuters]

Dr. Daniel Carlat, a psychiatrist not involved in the study, urged parents and other caregivers not to be overly-alarmed or assume that medication is the solution. The connection between ADHD and other mental disorders is still unknown, and the causes may be treatable via non-medication methods such as getting a tutor to help with school work or having the child participate in behavioral therapy.

Labels: mental_health, girls

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton