Prevalence of ADHD Symptomatology in Adult Population in the Czech Republic–A National Study

Abstract

Background: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder frequently diagnosed between the ages 7 and 10 years. We measured ADHD symptomatology in a representative sample of the Czech population. Material and Methods: Data collection was performed in January 2019 through the European National Panel. The respondents completed a demographic questionnaire focusing on ADHD history and a standardized questionnaire, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) screener for ADHD symptomatology in adulthood. Results: From the sample of 1,518 respondents, 3% of the respondents reported having been diagnosed with ADHD/hyperkinetic disorder in their lifetime. According to ASRS scoring, 119 respondents were classified as suspected ADHD. Overall, more males than females reported ADHD symptomatology. Age was also significantly associated with ASRS. Education status yielded no significant results. Conclusion: Our study documents that the prevalence of ADHD symptomatology in adults is comparable with that in Western countries despite the different historical and health care backgrounds.

Validity of the Czech Translation of the Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Self-Report Scale (ASRS)

“…We previously showed that ADHD can be considered a lifelong disorder even among the Czech population ( Vňuková et al, 2021 ) and thus confirmed the findings of previous studies such as Montejano et al (2011) and Ramos-Quiroga et al (2013) .…”

“…The data were collected through the computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI) method, that is, an online survey, with respondents from the European National Panel. For a detailed description of the methodology and the study sample, see Vňuková et al (2021) . The exclusion criteria were as follows: (1) presence of severe neuropsychiatric disorder (especially intellectual disability, schizophrenia, psychosis, severe mood disorder, dementia, substance abuse or behavioral dependence, or neurodegenerative diseases); (2) severe somatic disorders with a direct effect on cognitive/executive functions (especially cardiovascular, cerebrovascular or endocrine diseases); and (3) use of drugs that potentially affect cognitive function.…”

“…However, the DSM 5 recognized ADHD as a lifelong disorder, and it is now known that approximately half of the cases persist into adulthood ( Montejano et al, 2011 ; Ramos-Quiroga et al, 2013 ). Our recent study of ADHD prevalence in adulthood in a representative sample of the Czech population identified a prevalence of approximately 3.5%, with the prevalence being higher among males than females ( Vňuková et al, 2021 ). ADHD disrupts the daily functioning of affected individuals, and in adulthood, an association has been found with lower school performance or higher rates of unemployment as well as substance abuse and eating disorders ( Prihodova et al, 2010 ; Michielsen et al, 2012 ; Gupta, 2016 ; Weissenberger et al, 2018 ).…”

Associations Between Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Internet Gaming Disorder Symptoms Mediated by Depressive Symptoms and Hopelessness Among College Students

“…[2][3][4] Longitudinal evidence has suggested that the prevalence of adult ADHD ranges from 3% to 5% with gender balance, but some adults with ADHD lack a history of childhood ADHD. 1,[5][6][7][8] Adult ADHD is strongly associated with addictive behavior (for example, substance misuse and dependence), poor academic achievement and mental health, unemployment, and life impairment, 1,9,10 thereby emphasizing the importance of investigating the underlying mechanisms.…”

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Time Perception in Adults: Do Adults with Different ADHD Symptomatology Severity Perceive Time Differently? Findings from the National Czech Study

“…We have previously studied the prevalence of ADHD symptomatology among the adult population in the Czech Republic [ 23 ], along with their time perception styles as measured by the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory [ 24 ]. We wanted to build on our previous research and attempt to replicate prior research performed in the Czech Republic.…”