A new study published in the Journal of European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry looked at indirect associations between adolescent Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and/or Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) symptoms and adult incomes.
“Our study looked at whether symptoms of ADHD and/or ODD in adolescence are linked to lower incomes in adulthood,” study author Sampo Seppä told us. “We wanted to understand not only if there is a connection, but why, specifically whether education, social relationships, or other mental health conditions explain the income gap.”
The researchers had their own theory. Based on earlier research, they expected that ADHD and ODD symptoms would be associated with lower incomes, and that this would be at least partly explained by lower educational attainment and higher rates of other psychiatric disorders. They were less sure whether social relationships would play a role.
“ADHD and ODD are common in adolescence, and both can have a major impact on school and later life,” Seppä told us. “Yet we know surprisingly little about how these conditions affect long-term economic outcomes in the general population. By focusing on income, which reflects many aspects of life success, we hoped to highlight where support and interventions could make a difference.”
The research team used data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986, which has followed thousands of people from birth to adulthood. At age 16, parents reported on ADHD and ODD symptoms. They then linked this information to national registers on education, psychiatric diagnoses, and income at age 30. With mediation analysis, they could see whether education, health, or social factors explained the income differences.
“We found that adolescent ADHD symptoms and especially when ADHD and ODD occurred together, were linked to significantly lower incomes in adulthood,” Seppä told us. “Importantly, these effects were indirect. The income gap was explained by lower levels of education and higher rates of other psychiatric disorders. Social capital, measured by trust and close friendships, did not explain the income differences.”
The researchers were somewhat surprised that they did not see a direct effect of ADHD or ODD symptoms on income. Instead, the effects were fully explained by education and mental health. They also expected social relationships to matter more, but in this context they did not play a significant role.
“The findings suggest that it is not ADHD or ODD symptoms alone that reduce income, but their effects on education and mental health,” Seppä told us. “This means there are real opportunities for intervention. Supporting young people with ADHD and ODD symptoms through educational support, early treatment of psychiatric comorbidities, and better access to services could help close the income gap.”
Seppä told us that these findings highlight resilience as well. Many adolescents with ADHD or ODD symptoms do well, especially when supported. With targeted help in education and healthcare, long-term disadvantages can be reduced and young people can reach their potential.