Middle School Transition Affects ADHD Symptoms

ADHD symptoms may increase during this shift, a new study suggests.

Researchers have long asserted that a simple, structured environment helps reduce symptoms of ADHD, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Now, a new study published in The Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology has found that the transition to middle school and the change to a less structured and more independent setting increases those symptoms.

Using data from the Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD, Joshua Langberg and his team followed students beginning when they were between seven and nine years old. They found a steady decline in symptoms until the children transitioned to middle school. At that point, both parent and teacher reports indicated an increase in symptomatology.

The study provides evidence that environmental changes affect ADHD symptoms and that the transition to middle school may bring about a decline in the behavior of children with ADHD.

Go to The Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology to read more.