[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents]

To evaluate the level of adaptive functioning in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

One hundred children and adolescents with ADHD (79 male and 21 female) were examined using M. Weiss functional impairment rating scale (WFIRS). The total score on the ADHD-DSM-IV was at least 24 and ADHD severity was rated as «Moderately ill» or «Markedly ill» on CGI-S-ADHD scale.

Typical for ADHD difficulties with adaptive functioning in «Family», «Learning and school», «Life skills», «Social activities» domains are more pronounced in «Markedly ill» patients compared to «Moderately ill» and increase during the transition from childhood to adolescence. Comorbid disorders (oppositional defiant disorder and anxiety disorders) lead to a significant increase in adaptive functioning impairments in most domains of daily life, including «Family», «Learning and school», «Child's self concept», «Social activities» and «Risky activities».

It is necessary not only to assess core symptoms in the follow-up of patients with ADHD, but also evaluate comorbid disorders and the level of functional impairment across the main domains of daily life.