Psychiatric comorbidity and socio-demographic profile of adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Abstract

Background and aims:

This study aims to characterize the adults with ADHD in comparison to control individuals without a psychiatric diagnosis, in terms of symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, presence of psychiatric comorbidity and socio-demographic profile.

Method:

Thirty-six individuals who were diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria at the ADHD clinic for adults of the Marmara University Hospital, were included in the study. The control group consisted of 40 age and sex matched volunteers.

The socio-demographic characterization was done using a semi-structured interview. To evaluate the presence of psychiatric comorbidity, structured clinical interviews (SCID-I and II) were conducted by two general psychiatrists experienced in ADHD and trained in SCID administration. All groups were given SCL-90-R for general psychopathology assessment, Wender-Utah rating scale for childhood ADHD symptoms, and Beck DI for current depression rating.

Results:

The results of the study indicate that the adults with ADHD had poorer anger control (X2=8.904, p<.05). ADHD patients, in contrast to the control group, were more likely to have greater number of psychiatric diagnoses. (Wilks' Lambda= .597, p<.001 ; SCL90, F(71,1)=29.258, p,.001 ; SCID I: F(69,1)= 27.373, p<.001 ; SCID 2; F(69,1= 37.803, p<.001 ; BDI F(70,1)= 19.698, p<.001) The greater the number of comorbidities were more severe ADHD symptoms (SCID I: r=.621, p<.001).

Conclusion:

The greater likelihood and the number of a psychiatric comorbidity are associated with more severe ADHD symptoms in ADHD patients. Functional impairment and treatment needs also increase as the number of comorbidities.