Psychological Effects of the COVID-19 Imposed Lockdown on Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND The psychological effects of government imposed lockdown due to COVID-19 have been studied in several populations. These however have not been studied in adult ADHD populations. OBJECTIVE We wanted to investigate the effects of lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 in an adult ADHD population. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a pragmatic sample administering the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)- 9, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD)-7, the Brief Adjustment Scale (BASE-6), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). RESULTS Twenty fours individuals were included (75% male and 25% female, mean age 21.75 years old). The sample of adults with ADHD we surveyed had significant levels of emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic period. However, no claim can be made that during the COVID-19 pandemic there is evidence of significant deterioration to the mental health of this sample. CONCLUSIONS When treatment for ADHD is maintained, the effects of the COVID-19 to the mental health of this population group are mild. Targeted psychological interventions may be useful

Remote assessment in adults with Autism or ADHD: A service user satisfaction survey

“…For adults, the COVID-19 related literature in Autism is not developed, although there is some discussion in the literature pertaining to children [ 25 ]. For adult ADHD, although there are initial reports of the effects of the pandemic and risk factors in adult populations [ 26 , 27 ] there is again nothing specific to digital health.…”