Comorbodity in patients diagnosed with adult-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in psychiatry outpatient clinics

Abstract

Objective: Although attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was perceived as a disorder of childhood, it is now recognized as a chronic condition persisting into adulthood. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency of comorbidity in adults with ADHD. Methods: 80 ADHD patients between 16 and 60 years of age and 80 controls were recruited to the study. The groups were compared in terms of socio-demographic characteristics and diagnosis based on SCID-I and SCID-II. Results: The groups were identical regarding socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, education and marital status. The frequency of generalized anxiety disorder, major depression, dysthymia, somatoform disorder, antisocial and borderline personality disorders was significantly higher in ADHD group compared to the control group. Conclusion: We found that adult ADHD was an important risk factor for psychiatric comorbidity throughout lifetime. It is clear that misdiagnosis of comorbid disorders in ADHD patients may cause worsening of the symptoms and treatment resistance. Further studies on this topic may help us to better understand the course of adult ADHD and its treatment. © Archives of Neuropsychiatry.