Adult ADHD and Comorbid Somatic Disease: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Objective: To systematically review, synthesize, and appraise available evidence, connecting adult ADHD with somatic disease. Method: Embase, Psychinfo, and Medline databases were searched for studies published from 1994 to 2015 addressing adult ADHD and somatic comorbidity. Somatic conditions were classified according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) codes. Levels of evidence were graded as inconclusive, tentative, or well documented. Results: Most of the 126 studies included in the qualitative synthesis were small and of modest quality. Obesity, sleep disorders, and asthma were well-documented comorbidities in adult ADHD. Tentative evidence was found for an association between adult ADHD and migraine and celiac disease. In a large health registry study, cardiovascular disease was not associated with adult ADHD. Conclusion: There are few large systematic studies using standardized diagnostic criteria evaluating adult ADHD and somatic comorbidities. Significant associations are found between adult ADHD and several somatic diseases, and these are important to consider when assessing and treating either adult ADHD or the somatic diseases.

Establishing US norms for the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) and characterising symptom burden among adults with self-reported ADHD

“…The finding that a self‐reported ADHD diagnosis was associated with a greater likelihood of also reporting diagnosed comorbidities are consistent with much prior research . While a prior systematic review indicated that obesity, asthma, and sleep difficulties were strongly linked to adult ADHD, the current study provided evidence that gastrointestinal conditions (GERD, heartburn) were also related to adult ADHD. Thus, findings indicate an additional burden from somatic comorbidities that had not previously been identified.…”

“…Furthermore, adults with a self‐reported ADHD diagnosis (vs controls) reported greater impairment in social functioning, interpersonal relationships, and self‐organization, among other domains, in prior retrospective observational research . Adult ADHD has also been associated with several psychiatric (eg, substance abuse disorders, anxiety disorders) and somatic (eg, obesity, asthma) comorbidities . Additionally, because of difficulties with time management, organization, and following through on tasks, adults with ADHD often report impairments in work productivity, which suggests ADHD also has economic implications.…”

“…5 Adult ADHD has also been associated with several psychiatric (eg, substance abuse disorders, anxiety disorders) and somatic (eg, obesity, asthma) comorbidities. 6,7 Additionally, because of difficulties with time management, organization, and following through on tasks, adults with ADHD often report impairments in work productivity, 8 which suggests ADHD also has economic implications.…”

A longitudinal examination of dyadic distress patterns following a skills intervention for carers of adolescents with anorexia nervosa

“…The same is true for gastrointestinal problems [48] and hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli [49]. Although the current research literature and expert opinions stress the importance of treating co-morbid conditions in the ADHD population, physical problems are still rarely targeted or appropriately addressed by service providers [50]. The bio-psycho-social model of the ICF-CY can bridge this gap by offering a comprehensive framework that enables diverse range of functioning profiles to be captured and measured for diagnostic and treatment purposes.…”

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): from randomised controlled trials to evidence-based clinical services

“…Additionally, evidence points to a dissociation between ADHD core symptoms, namely, inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and other aspects, such as executive dysfunction, that may add further challenges to individuals with ADHD. Additionally, I believe it is important to highlight here that mounting evidence is showing a significant association between ADHD and somatic conditions, such obesity (Cortese et al 2016b) or asthma (Instanes et al 2016). This means that focusing the care of ADHD on core symptoms only is less unlikely to improve the overall quality of life of patients with ADHD.…”