The Heterogeneity of ADHD in Children and Adolescents

The number of children and adolescents diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has risen markedly in recent years. Young patients with ADHD tend to present with a complex symptom profile, as up to 80% also display a range of comorbidities such as insomnia, autism, depression, anxiety, and tics. This challenges both diagnostics and treatment. The evidence for these complex, heterogeneous patients remain limited, and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Addressing the complexity of ADHD in children and adolescents is essential to optimize treatment and improve outcomes.

The main goal of this Research Topic is to explore the heterogeneity of ADHD in children and adolescents, either as a sole diagnosis or with co-occurring conditions. The editors welcome submissions that shed light on the multifaceted nature of ADHD in children and adolescents by assessing epidemiology, diagnostic approaches, treatment options, and underlying mechanisms. This is an interdisciplinary collection as we investigate the complexity of ADHD from various perspectives. Thus, we welcome researchers from various fields, including medicine, psychology, social science, and preclinical studies.

This Research Topic welcomes submissions focusing on, but not limited to, the following themes in relation to children and adolescents:
• epidemiological findings of co-occurring conditions in the context of ADHD
• diagnostic challenges and the clinical implications of ADHD as a heterogeneous disorder
• treatment strategies for patients with ADHD presenting with a complex symptom profile, including established and new treatment options, pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches
• psychological, biological, and psychosocial mechanisms linked to co-occurring conditions in the context of ADHD
• healthcare costs in the context of ADHD as a heterogeneous disorder.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: child and adolescent psychiatry, ADHD, co-occurring conditions, heterogeneity

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.