About the Book
This book provides a comprehensive public health and disability-focused analysis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan—from childhood through adolescence and adulthood. It examines the global epidemiology of ADHD, developmental trajectories, and emerging evidence on potential biological, psychological, and social mechanisms underlying the disorder. The volume critically explores ADHD’s classification as a disability, its psychiatric comorbidities, suicide risk, and its impact on educational attainment, occupational functioning, and social participation. It synthesizes evidence-based intervention strategies tailored to different life stages, including pharmacological treatments, psychosocial interventions, school-based supports, and community-level approaches. Importantly, the book evaluates international variation in ADHD diagnosis, treatment access, and policy frameworks, highlighting disparities shaped by gender, culture, race, and socioeconomic context. It identifies key research gaps and outlines future directions for advancing early detection, integrated care, and prevention-oriented public health models. By bridging epidemiology, mechanistic insights, clinical research, and policy analysis, this book offers an integrated roadmap for improving ADHD recognition, management, and advocacy globally. Timely and evidence-driven, it is essential reading for clinicians, researchers, educators, policymakers, and disability advocates.
Table of Contents:
Introduction to ADHD and Public Health.- The Epidemiology of ADHD Across the Lifespan.- ADHD and Mental Health Comorbidities.- ADHD and Suicide Risk Across Life Stages.- ADHD as a Disability: Legal, Social, and Educational Implications.- The Social and Economic Impact of ADHD Throughout Life.- ADHD Across the Lifespan: Developmental Changes and Challenges.- Intersectionality in ADHD: Gender, Race, and Socioeconomic Status.- Interventions and Treatments for ADHD Across the Lifespan.- Policy and Advocacy for ADHD as a Public Health Issue.- Impact of ADHD on Sexuality and Relationships.- Public Perceptions and Diagnostic/Health Perspectives of ADHD.- Future Directions in ADHD Research and Public Health.
About the Author :
Dr. Getinet Yaya is a Research Fellow in the School of Population Health at Curtin University, Australia. He completed his PhD in Public Health/Epidemiology at Curtin University, where his research examined the intergenerational impacts of parental mental health on child mental health and educational outcomes. His research focuses on child and adolescent mental health, ADHD, suicide prevention, substance use, and transdiagnostic psychiatric epidemiology. Dr. Yaya has published over 170 peer-reviewed papers and has accumulated more than 42,000 citations (h-index 53, Google Scholar). He has secured competitive funding as Chief Investigator, including a $2.1 million MRFF grant and the 2025 WANMA Emerging Leader Award. He serves as an editor for BMC Medicine (Psychiatry Section), BMC Psychiatry (Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section), BMC Public Health (Mental Health Section), and Frontiers in Public Health (Global Mental Health Section), and has reviewed grants for NHMRC, NIHR, and the Wellcome Trust. Professor Rosa Alati is Head of the School of Population Health at Curtin University, Australia, and is also affiliated with the Institute for Social Sciences Research, The University of Queensland, 80 Meier's Rd, Indooroopilly, QLD 4068, Australia. She is an internationally recognised epidemiologist with over two decades of experience and has published more than 240 scientific articles in mental health, developmental epidemiology, and substance use research. Her work examines the long-term effects of early-life adversity and the social determinants shaping neurodevelopmental and psychiatric outcomes, including ADHD. Professor Alati has led major national and international longitudinal studies and competitive grants and has played a central role in advancing public health policy and research translation in Australia and globally. Professor Rosanna Rooney is a clinical psychologist and academic at Curtin University specialising in child and adolescent mental health, educational psychology, and resilience-based interventions. Her research focuses on supporting children and adolescents with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental and emotional disorders within school and community settings. She has developed and evaluated evidence-based school programs aimed at improving emotional regulation, resilience, and mental health outcomes. Professor Rooney is widely recognised for her contributions to inclusive education and practical intervention strategies for neurodiverse students. Professor Christina M. Pollard is a public health researcher at Curtin University with expertise in mental health promotion, public health advocacy, and reducing health inequalities. She is Co-Director of Mentally Healthy WA's Act Belong Commit campaign and Director of the Public Health Advocacy Institute. Her research focuses on translating evidence into policy and community-level mental health promotion initiatives. Professor Pollard has led numerous state and national projects aimed at improving population mental health and strengthening preventive public health strategies.
