ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Symptoms Are Associated With Chronic Pain Interference: Results From...

Area of Science:

• Pain Medicine
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• A known link exists between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and chronic pain.
• Prospective investigation of ADHD symptoms and their impact on pain interference is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively examine the association between ADHD symptoms and pain interference in young adults.
• To identify predictors of moderate-to-severe pain interference at six months post-opioid prescription.

Main Methods:

• Young adults prescribed opioids were recruited from various clinical settings.
• Participants completed assessments for ADHD symptoms, depression, pain catastrophizing, adverse childhood experiences, and pain interference at baseline and six months.
• Logistic regression analyzed the relationship between ADHD symptoms and pain interference.

Main Results:

• Of 116 baseline participants, 71 completed the six-month follow-up.
• Moderate-to-severe pain interference decreased from 89.7% at baseline to 52.3% at six months.
• ADHD symptoms, depression, and pain catastrophizing were associated with pain interference; ADHD symptoms and pain catastrophizing remained significant predictors in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions:

• Higher ADHD symptom levels correlate with a greater risk of chronic pain interference.
• Findings support previous research on attention's role in chronic pain.
• Tailored prevention and treatment approaches for individuals with ADHD symptoms and chronic pain are warranted.