Children with ADHD are at increased risk of becoming socially isolated as they grow up, according to a new study. Researchers said that the findings highlight the importance of peer support for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The new research, led by experts at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London, examined data on 2,232 British children taking part in a long-term twin study. The authors measured ADHD symptoms and social isolation when children were five, seven, 10 and 12 through reports from both parents and teachers.
The study found that children with “increased ADHD symptoms” were consistently at increased risk of becoming socially isolated later in childhood. Those with hyperactive ADHD are at an even higher risk than those who have an “inattentive presentation” of ADHD, they added.
