Story perspectives

45% of Dutch Childhood ADHD Persist, Suffering More Depression

7/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Forty-five percent of Dutch adults with childhood ADHD met adult ADHD criteria after 18 years.
The ADHD group, where major depressive disorder affected 18% versus 8% of controls and 6% of siblings, performed worse on over 60% of outcomes—including lower education, higher BMI and greater stress—and used ADHD medication more than siblings or controls.
Siblings resembled controls on most measures, showing modest increases in ADHD traits, autistic traits and BMI.

1 of 1

Story summary

Forty-five percent of Dutch adults with childhood ADHD met adult ADHD criteria after 18 years.
The ADHD group, where major depressive disorder affected 18% versus 8% of controls and 6% of siblings, performed worse on over 60% of outcomes—including lower education, higher BMI and greater stress—and used ADHD medication more than siblings or controls.
Siblings resembled controls on most measures, showing modest increases in ADHD traits, autistic traits and BMI.