The Impact of COVID-19 on Youth with ADHD

Researchers in Lehigh's school psychology program have found that youth with ADHD are more likely to experience COVID-19 symptoms and may require more specialized support.

New research from doctoral students in Lehigh University’s school psychology program, George DuPaul, professor of school psychology, and colleagues from Ohio University and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has found that youth with ADHD are more likely than their peers to experience COVID-19 symptoms, sleep problems, fear and anxiety related to infection risk, difficulties with remote learning, family conflict, rule-breaking behavior, and lack of school preparation during the first year of the pandemic. Additionally, youth with ADHD are less likely than their peers to be responsive to factors, such as parental monitoring and school engagement, that may mitigate the impact of pandemic school closures.

“Ultimately, the results of our study highlight that the typical interventions that have previously supported youth with ADHD, like personalized schedules and school engagement, are likely not working in the face of this pandemic,” says Eliana Rosenthal, school psychology doctoral student and lead author of the study. “Knowing this information can better inform families, educators and clinicians developing interventions and support systems for youth with ADHD moving forward.”

Read more about the research and findings here.