Background: Since there is little information about the naturalistic way of treatment in daily European practice, the Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Observational Research in Europe (ADORE) project was designed as a prospective, non-interventional study of approximately 1,500 patients observed by approximately 300 investigators in various European regions.
Objective: The primary objective is the description of the relationship between treatment regimen prescribed and quality of life in ADHD patients over a two-year period.
Method: The naturalistic care provided and the outcomes (psychopathology, quality of life) are recorded at 7 data collection points.
Results: The present preliminary report provides data on the first 315 patients who were included in the study by the beginning of January 2004. The data provide an impression of the sample characteristics, the clinical diversity, and the effects of ADHD on school careers and social activities. Furthermore, treatment information dealing with the time both before and at baseline is given.
Conclusion: Even with this limited sample the negative effects on psychosocial development and quality of life in ADHD children are apparent.