Final answer:
Treatment for ADHD typically involves a combination of behavioral therapies and stimulant medications that help manage symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Research indicates that these treatments can improve academic and social outcomes over the long term.
Step-by-step explanation:
Studies investigating the effectiveness of treatment for ADHD have shown that a combination of behavioral therapies and the use of stimulant medications is commonly used to manage the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
Stimulant medications, though seemingly counterintuitive, tend to have a calming effect on patients with ADHD, helping to reduce the core symptoms such as difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. In terms of long-term outcomes, research such as the systematic review by Arnold L.E. et al. (2015) found that treatment modalities can significantly affect outcomes related to academic success, self-esteem, and social functioning.
In the context of academic and educational outcomes, Loe, I. M., & Feldman, H. M. (2007) highlighted that children with ADHD may face challenges, but with proper treatment, these challenges can be mitigated, potentially leading to better performance in educational settings.
Furthermore, the longitudinal study by Klein, R. G., et al. (2012) indicated that the consequences of ADHD can extend into adulthood, affecting various aspects of adult life. However, the long-term benefits of early treatment on outcomes such as self-esteem and social functions are underscored in studies like that of Harpin et al. (2016).