Comorbidity in Adults with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Objective: To examine the prevalence of comorbid Axis I (current and lifetime) and II disorders in adult men and women with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Method:Adult patients (n = 447; 266 men, 181 women) received comprehensive assessments for ADHD and Axis I and II disorders. Adults were aged between 17 and 74 years. Among the patients diagnosed with ADHD (n = 335), there were those with ADHD inattentive subtype (ADHD-I) (n = 199), hyperactive-impulsive subtype (ADHD-H) (n = 24), or combined ADHD subtype (ADHD-C) (n = 112). Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between adults with and without ADHD on Axis I and II disorders.Results: Adults with ADHD, compared with those without ADHD, had higher rates of Axis I (46.9% and 27.31%) and Axis II (50.7% and 38.2%) disorders. Adults with ADHD-C were more likely to have mood disorder, anxiety, conduct disorder, and substance use disorder as well as obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, passive-aggressive personality disorder, depressive personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, and borderline personality disorder (BPD).Men with ADHD were more likely to have antisocial personality disorder and had higher rates of current drug abuse than women with ADHD. Women with ADHD had higher rates of past and current panic disorder, and past anorexia and bulimia. Women with ADHD were more likely to have BPD than men with ADHD. Conclusions:Adults with ADHD have very high rates of comorbid Axis I and II disorders, with differences found between men and women on certain comorbid disorders.Can J Psychiatry. 2009;54(10):673-683. Clinical Implications· In diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD, the assessment and treatment of other conditions that may be comorbid with ADHD is crucial to adequately treat patients and promote optimal outcome. · One-third of patients referred for ADHD diagnosis do not have ADHD but may have other conditions. · Comprehensive, systematic evaluations are crucial for accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. Limitations· Exclusion criteria, which included current substance abuse and psychiatric conditions, and which required urgent treatment, might have resulted in a decrease in the level of comorbidity found. · Sources of referral (for example, self-and physician-referral) might also have selected for a less comorbid patient population.

Attention‐deficit‐hyperactivity disorder increases risk of bone fracture: a population‐based cohort study

“…2 Previous studies have reported increased rates of comorbid substance abuse, anxiety, mood, personality, and disruptive behaviour disorders among adults with ADHD, persisting from childhood into adulthood. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] Several studies have investigated the psychosocial characteristics of children in relation to accidental injuries. 12,13 Children with behavioural disorders were reported to exhibit a 1.5-times higher risk of injury compared with those without such disorders.…”

Comorbidity Of Adult Attention Deficit And Hyperactivity Disorder With Panic Disorder

“…DEHB de panik bozukluğu ek tanısının erkeklerde daha sık izlendiği belirtilmektedir (Cumyn et al, 2009). …”

“…si olmayanlara göre daha yüksek oranda rastlanmış ve anksiyete bozukluklarının yüksek oranda eşlik ettiği, kadınlarda özellikle önceden geçirilmiş ya da halen var olan panik bozukluğu eştanısının daha yüksek oranlarda olduğu saptanmıştır (Cumyn et al, 2009). …”

Trastorno mental y tipo de sustancia consumida: estudio piloto sobre la utilización de la Entrevista de Cribado de Patología Dual (ECDD)

“…Se identificó, asimismo, que 31.7% de los pacientes presentaba un trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad. Los estudios señalan una fuerte interrelación del trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad con el de uso de sustancias, entre 15 y 50% (Cumyn, French, & Hechtman, 2009;Ochoa, Salvador, & Madoz-Gúrpide, 2010;Torrico Linares et al, 2012).…”