EPA-1122 – The Relationship of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms With Risky Behaviours and Psychological Symptoms Among Turkish University Students

Abstract

Introduction:

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopment disorder, which around 2/3 of the patients may still have ADHD symptoms (ADHDs) during adulthood. Symptoms’ presentation can turn into ongoing attention problems, disorganization and symptoms of emotional dysregulation throughout adulthood. Adult ADHDs may lead familial, academic and occupational dysfunction, risky behaviours and selfmutilation.

Aim:

The study aims to investigate the relationship of ADHDs with risky behaviours and psychological symptoms among students.

Methods:

Among a total of 803 randomly selected students from two universities, regarding exclusion criteria 582 was remained and grouped into three groups due to the Turkish version of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) cut-off scores, namely, highly likely (HLG), likely (LG) and without ADHD (WG), respectively. They were assessed through online close-questioned and likert-type data form related to risky behaviours and psychological symptoms. Chi-square test and ANOVA were used.

Results:

The size of three groups were 15,1%(n=88), 22,2%(n=129) and 62.5%(n=365), respectively. Although gender was insignificant across groups, age mean was lower for HLG than WG (not shown). The rates of psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety symptoms, interpersonal sensivity, seeking excitement, risky behaviours and self-mutilation were higher in the HLG (not shown).

Conclusions:

Consistent with previous studies, the HLG had more associated comorbid psychiatric disorder symptoms. Thus, assessment of ADHDs in university students may useful for realizing risky behaviours and psychological symptoms for this population.