Predictors of mental health service utilization as adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder transition into adulthood

Abstract

Background Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms may persist into adulthood and are likely to cause great problems in young adults. To date, few studies have explored the characteristics of patients diagnosed with ADHD that might influence the utilization of adult mental health services (AMHS). We aimed to examine and identify predictive symptoms of AMHS. Methods We analysed data from 114 participants diagnosed with ADHD from a cohort of adolescents recruited at the age of 12–17 years, who, at the time of data analysis, were over 18 years old. Results Among AMHS users, hyperactivity/impulsivity measures were significantly more severe (t = 2.668, df = 112, p < .001), ADHD combined subtype diagnosis (χ2 = 4.66, df = 1, p = .031) was more frequent and dysregulation profile in the SDQ‐P was also significantly higher (t = −2.497, df = 109, p = .014). However, the dysregulation profile did not remain statistically significant after controlling for type of AMHS contact. Conclusions Our findings suggest that adolescents with ADHD are more likely continue their care under AMHS if they present more severe symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. The better characterization of the patient profile will help clinicians to early identify groups at‐risk and to tailor interventions and prevention strategies.

Protocols for transitioning to adult mental health services for adolescents with ADHD

“…Implementing a comprehensive and practical guideline that addresses clinicians' and patients' needs, that is evidence-based, considers clinical practice variations, and can positively affect the quality of care should be a priority [32,33]. This includes implementing clear communication with the families, providing information on the available services, managing the contacts with the specialists, and offering flexibility in the care-pathway based on the symptoms' severity [34]. A critical point that should be included should involve the role of specialists in creating reports or in directly communicating with general practitioners and educational services, since parents usually perceive it as a burden to be the carriers of information between different services Preprints (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 5 April 2023 doi:10.20944/preprints202304.0055.v1 [10].…”