ADHD Across the Lifespan : Disability, Mental Health, and Social Impacts

This book provides a comprehensive public health and disability-focused analysis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan—from childhood through adolescence and adulthood.

This book provides a comprehensive public health and disability-focused analysis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan—from childhood through adolescence and adulthood. It examines the global epidemiology of ADHD, developmental trajectories, and emerging evidence on potential biological, psychological, and social mechanisms underlying the disorder. The volume critically explores ADHD’s classification as a disability, its psychiatric comorbidities, suicide risk, and its impact on educational attainment, occupational functioning, and social participation. It synthesizes evidence-based intervention strategies tailored to different life stages, including pharmacological treatments, psychosocial interventions, school-based supports, and community-level approaches. Importantly, the book evaluates international variation in ADHD diagnosis, treatment access, and policy frameworks, highlighting disparities shaped by gender, culture, race, and socioeconomic context. It identifies key research gaps and outlines future directions for advancing early detection, integrated care, and prevention-oriented public health models. By bridging epidemiology, mechanistic insights, clinical research, and policy analysis, this book offers an integrated roadmap for improving ADHD recognition, management, and advocacy globally. Timely and evidence-driven, it is essential reading for clinicians, researchers, educators, policymakers, and disability advocates.