60% 至 85% 的 ADHD 患者在青春期仍然符合标准,显著功能障碍常常持续到成年以后。[126]Barkley RA, Fischer M, Edelbrock CS, et al. The adolescent outcome of hyperactive children diagnosed by research criteria: I. an 8-year prospective follow-up study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1990;29:546-557.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2387789?tool=bestpractice.com[127]Biederman J, Faraone S, Milberger S, et al. A prospective 4-year follow-up study of ADHD and related disorders. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1996;53:437-446.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8624187?tool=bestpractice.com随着时间的推移,活动过度症状往往会消退,而注意力障碍则会持续。事实上,以缺陷为主型的 ADHD 患者的就诊时间常常较晚(例如初中、高中),因为他们缺乏过度活动和冲动症状,因此与混合型儿童患者相比,他们在小学的破坏性没有那么大。有 ADHD 症状的青少年和成人在以下方面风险更高:学业和职业困难、行为障碍和反社会行为、削弱适应性的不良关系、受伤和交通事故增加、少女怀孕。[128]Barkley RA. Driving impairment in teens and adults with ADHD. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2004;27:233-260.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15063996?tool=bestpractice.com[129]Barkley RA, Fischer M, Smallish L, et al. Young adult follow-up of hyperactive children: antisocial activities and drug use. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2004;45:195-211.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14982236?tool=bestpractice.com[130]Barkley RA, Fischer M, Smallish L, et al. Young adult outcome of hyperactive children: adaptive functioning in major life activities. J Am Acad Child Adoles Pscyhiatry. 2006;45:192-202.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16429090?tool=bestpractice.com