Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by McGough, J. J. Articles by Loo, S. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by McGough, J. J. Articles by Loo, S. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Psychiatric Comorbidity in Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Findings From Multiplex Families

OBJECTIVE: Patterns of psychiatric comorbidity were assessed in adults with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) identified through a genetic study of families containing multiple children with ADHD. METHOD: Lifetime ADHD and comorbid psychopathology were assessed in 435 parents of children with ADHD. Rates and mean ages at onset of comorbid psychopathology were compared in parents with lifetime ADHD, parents with persistent ADHD, and those without ADHD. Age-adjusted rates of comorbidity were compared with Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Logistic regression was used to assess additional risk factors for conditions more frequent in ADHD subjects. RESULTS: The parents with ADHD were significantly more likely to be unskilled workers and less likely to have a college degree. ADHD subjects had more lifetime psychopathology; 87% had at least one and 56% had at least two other psychiatric disorders, compared with 64% and 27%, respectively, in non-ADHD subjects. ADHD was associated with greater disruptive behavior, substance use, and mood and anxiety disorders and with earlier onset of major depression, dysthymia, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder. Group differences based on Kaplan-Meier age-corrected risks were consistent with those for raw frequency distributions. Male sex added risk for disruptive behavior disorders. Female sex and oppositional defiant disorder contributed to risk for depression and anxiety. ADHD was not a significant risk factor for substance use disorders when male sex, disruptive behavior disorders, and socioeconomic status were controlled. CONCLUSIONS: Adult ADHD is associated with significant lifetime psychiatric comorbidity that is not explained by clinical referral bias.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				J.A. McGillivray and K.L. Baker Effects of Comorbid ADHD with Learning Disabilities on Anxiety, Depression, and Aggression in Adults J Atten Disord, May 1, 2009; 12(6): 525 - 531. [Abstract] [PDF]

				V. Modesto-Lowe, J. S. Danforth, and D. Brooks ADHD: Does Parenting Style Matter? Clinical Pediatrics, November 1, 2008; 47(9): 865 - 872. [Abstract] [PDF]

				T. E. Wilens, J. Adamson, M. C. Monuteaux, S. V. Faraone, M. Schillinger, D. Westerberg, and J. Biederman Effect of Prior Stimulant Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on Subsequent Risk for Cigarette Smoking and Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders in Adolescents Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med, October 1, 2008; 162(10): 916 - 921. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S. H. Kollins ADHD, Substance Use Disorders, and Psychostimulant Treatment: Current Literature and Treatment Guidelines J Atten Disord, September 1, 2008; 12(2): 115 - 125. [Abstract] [PDF]

				L. Zylowska, D. L. Ackerman, M. H. Yang, J. L. Futrell, N. L. Horton, T. S. Hale, C. Pataki, and S. L. Smalley Mindfulness Meditation Training in Adults and Adolescents With ADHD: A Feasibility Study J Atten Disord, May 1, 2008; 11(6): 737 - 746. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. C Verster, E. M Bekker, M. de Roos, A. Minova, E. J. Eijken, J. S. Kooij, J. K. Buitelaar, J L. Kenemans, M. N. Verbaten, B. Olivier, et al. Methylphenidate significantly improves driving performance of adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized crossover trial J Psychopharmacol, May 1, 2008; 22(3): 230 - 237. [Abstract] [PDF]

				L. G. Almeida Montes, A. O. Hernandez Garcia, and J. Ricardo-Garcell ADHD Prevalence in Adult Outpatients With Nonpsychotic Psychiatric Illnesses J Atten Disord, September 1, 2007; 11(2): 150 - 156. [Abstract] [PDF]

				J. Sprafkin, K. D. Gadow, M. D. Weiss, J. Schneider, and E. E. Nolan Psychiatric Comorbidity in ADHD Symptom Subtypes in Clinic and Community Adults J Atten Disord, September 1, 2007; 11(2): 114 - 124. [Abstract] [PDF]

				D. J. Nutt, K. Fone, P. Asherson, D. Bramble, P. Hill, K. Matthews, K. A. Morris, P. Santosh, E. Sonuga-Barke, E. Taylor, et al. Evidence-based guidelines for management of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adolescents in transition to adult services and in adults: recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology J Psychopharmacol, January 1, 2007; 21(1): 10 - 41. [Abstract] [PDF]

				New Findings in the Pathogenesis, Genetics, and Comorbidity of ADHD Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, December 30, 2005; 2005(1230): 9 - 9. [Full Text]

				New Findings in the Pathogenesis, Genetics, and Comorbidity of ADHD Journal Watch Psychiatry, October 19, 2005; 2005(1019): 7 - 7. [Full Text]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2005 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us