Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder symptomatology and mental health in Western Australian adolescents: predictive relationships and teachers’ perspectives

ADHD is the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder affecting Australian adolescents. This research utilised both quantitative and qualitative studies to explore relationships between ADHD and mental health in secondary school students, and the perspectives of teachers on supporting students’ mental wellbeing in classrooms. Results demonstrated that impacts of ADHD symptoms are significant in terms of adolescents’ long-term mental health trajectories and highlighted interacting effects of ADHD symptoms and mental health with academic achievements of students. While the findings also indicated that teachers employ comprehensive student support strategies, they underscored the urgent need to equip teachers better, particularly via pre-service training.