ADHD and Academic Performance in College Students: A Systematic Review

Abstract

It is currently accepted that ADHD leads to important difficulties in the educational functioning of children and adolescents. However, its actual relevance on the performance of university students is not yet recognized in the academic milieu and University Management Foundations. Objectives: The present study performed a systematic review of the scientific literature that deals with the academic performance of university students with ADHD, collecting the research conducted between 2018 and 2024. Likewise, we aimed to know the factors that influence on academic performance and evaluate the tools used in the collection of ADHD symptoms and educational data. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, PsycInfo, and Scopus were used to search studies using PRISMA guidelines. Quantitative studies selected had to discuss about academic performance in college students with ADHD. For each study, quality of evidence was examined using the Quality Assessment Tool of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Results: Fifteen studies with good-fair quality were included in the review. These studies demonstrated that an ADHD diagnosis or significant ADHD symptoms are associated with lower academic performance in college students, particularly those with inattention symptoms. Additionally, factors such as executive functions, medication use, and study strategies also influence the academic performance of these students. The most commonly used instruments for the assessment of ADHD were the screening measures ADHD Self-Report Scale and the ADHD Rating Scale—Self Report Version. To assess academic performance half of the studies collected the Grade Point Average directly from university records, while in other studies, students were asked directly for their grades. Conclusion: Overall, ADHD has a relevant impact on the academic performance of university students, but the evaluation methodology used has some differences with respect to child’s evaluations procedures. Therefore, studies in this population must include not only self-reported symptomatology, but also assessments from clinicians specialized in adult ADHD.