ADHD as a Risk Factor for Infection With Covid-19

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Eugene Merzon1,2, Iris Manor2,3, Ann Rotem3

  • 1Leumit HMO, Tel-Aviv, Israel.

Journal of Attention Disorders
|July 23, 2020
PubMed

Insights

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.

Keywords:
ADHDCovid-19prevalencestimulants

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