Prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a community sample of older adolescents

Objective: To study the prevalence and correlates of attention-deficit/hype ractivity disorder (ADHD) in a community sample of older adolescents. Metho d: From 1986 to 1988, 3,419 seventh, eighth, and ninth graders were screene d with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies- Depression Scale. The top deci le scorers and a random sample of the remainder were interviewed with the S chedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children. These data are from the second wave of interviews (N = 490, mean age = 18.6 5). Results: The weighted prevalence of DSM-III-R ADHD was 1.51% (males: 2. 62%, females: 0.54%). Significant associations (p < .05) were found for gen der (male), comorbid affective disorders, baseline undesirable life events, and fewer than two biological parents at baseline. Family cohesion (p =.05 8) is inversely associated with ADHD. For subjects not meeting the age-at-o nset criterion, 1.94% met the eight symptom criteria, and females (3.2%) we re more prevalent than males (0.3%). Conclusions: ADHD remains a problem in this sample of older adolescents and is often comorbid with affective diso rders. A significant number report eight ADHD symptoms but do not meet the age-at-onset criterion. This group deserves research attention.