Comorbidity in adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Lucy Cumyn1, Lisa French, Lily Hechtman
1Adult ADHD Research, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec.
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|October 20, 2009
Summary
Adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have significantly higher rates of comorbid Axis I and II disorders. Specific differences in these conditions were observed between men and women with ADHD.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder impacting adults.
- Comorbidities are common in ADHD, affecting diagnosis and treatment.
- Understanding these comorbidities is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Axis I and Axis II disorders in adults with ADHD.
- To compare comorbidity rates between adults with and without ADHD.
- To investigate gender-specific differences in comorbid disorders among adults with ADHD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 447 adult patients (17-74 years) underwent comprehensive assessments for ADHD and comorbid Axis I and II disorders.
- Patients were categorized based on ADHD diagnosis and subtype (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, combined).
- Statistical analyses, including chi-square and logistic regression, were used to compare comorbidity rates.
Main Results:
- Adults with ADHD exhibited higher rates of both Axis I (46.9%) and Axis II (50.7%) disorders compared to controls.
- ADHD combined subtype was associated with increased likelihood of mood, anxiety, conduct, substance use, and specific personality disorders (OCPD, passive-aggressive, depressive, narcissistic, BPD).
- Gender differences emerged: men with ADHD showed higher rates of antisocial personality disorder and drug abuse, while women had higher rates of panic disorder, eating disorders, and BPD.
Conclusions:
- Adults diagnosed with ADHD present with substantial rates of comorbid Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Significant gender-based variations exist in the pattern of these comorbid conditions.
- These findings underscore the importance of screening for and managing comorbidities in adult ADHD.
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