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ADHD as a Risk Factor for Infection With Covid-19
Eugene Merzon1,2, Iris Manor2,3, Ann Rotem3
1Leumit HMO, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
Journal of Attention Disorders
|July 23, 2020
Summary
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is linked to increased COVID-19 risk. ADHD medication may reduce this risk, suggesting treatment is crucial for managing infection susceptibility in affected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Epidemiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can impair adherence to public health guidelines, including COVID-19 prevention measures.
- The study investigated the potential of ADHD as a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- The role of pharmacotherapy in mitigating COVID-19 risk among individuals with ADHD was explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if ADHD is an independent risk factor for COVID-19 infection.
- To assess the impact of ADHD pharmacotherapy on COVID-19 infection rates.
- To analyze the association between treated and untreated ADHD and SARS-CoV-2 positivity.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study analyzed 14,022 individuals tested for COVID-19 between February and April 2020.
- Data were extracted from electronic health records, including ADHD diagnosis and medication prescriptions.
- ADHD pharmacotherapy was defined as purchasing at least three consecutive ADHD medication prescriptions within the past year.
Main Results:
- COVID-19 positive subjects had higher rates of ADHD compared to negative subjects (adjOR 1.58).
- Untreated ADHD was associated with a significantly higher risk of COVID-19 infection (crudeOR 1.61).
- ADHD pharmacotherapy was not associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 infection (crudeOR 1.07).
Conclusions:
- Untreated ADHD appears to be a significant risk factor for contracting COVID-19.
- ADHD pharmacotherapy may mitigate the increased risk of COVID-19 infection associated with the disorder.
- These findings highlight the importance of consistent ADHD treatment for managing infection risks.
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