Elsevier

Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

Volume 128, September 2021, Pages 789-818
Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews

The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.022Get rights and content
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Highlights

  • ADHD occurs in 5.9 % of youth and 2.5 % of adults.

  • Most cases of ADHD are caused by the combined effects of many genetic and environmental risks.

  • There are small differences in the brain between people with and without ADHD.

  • Untreated ADHD can lead to many adverse outcomes.

  • ADHD costs society hundreds of billions of dollars each year, worldwide.

Abstract

Background

Misconceptions about ADHD stigmatize affected people, reduce credibility of providers, and prevent/delay treatment. To challenge misconceptions, we curated findings with strong evidence base.

Methods

We reviewed studies with more than 2000 participants or meta-analyses from five or more studies or 2000 or more participants. We excluded meta-analyses that did not assess publication bias, except for meta-analyses of prevalence. For network meta-analyses we required comparison adjusted funnel plots. We excluded treatment studies with waiting-list or treatment as usual controls. From this literature, we extracted evidence-based assertions about the disorder.

Results

We generated 208 empirically supported statements about ADHD. The status of the included statements as empirically supported is approved by 80 authors from 27 countries and 6 continents. The contents of the manuscript are endorsed by 366 people who have read this document and agree with its contents.

Conclusions

Many findings in ADHD are supported by meta-analysis. These allow for firm statements about the nature, course, outcome causes, and treatments for disorders that are useful for reducing misconceptions and stigma.

Keywords

ADHD
Diagnosis
Treatment
Course
Outcome
Genetics
Brain

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