Prevalence and Correlations Between ADHD and Burnout Dimensions in Brazilian University Students

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Burnout Syndrome and the potential correlations between the dimensions of both conditions among Brazilian college students. A total of 751 students participated; 71.9% were women, aged 23 on average (SD = 3.46). The instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS-18), and the Maslach Burnout Scale for Students (MBI-SS). Regarding the sex variable, men scored lower for emotional exhaustion and higher for professional achievement. The inattention facet of ADHD was positively correlated with the emotional exhaustion and depersonalization dimension and negatively correlated with professional achievement, suggesting a connection between the disorder and the syndrome. This study is expected to contribute to the development of preventive programs and intervention protocols especially designed to promote the mental health of students attending public and private educational institutions and experiencing academic burnout.