Associations of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with inflammatory diseases. Results from the nationwide German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS).

Abstract

Despite conflicting data, some studies have suggested apathophysiological relationship between inflammation and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using data from the nationwide and representative German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS; n = 6922 study participants aged 11-17years), this posthoc analysis assessed the associations between ADHD and three common inflammatory diseases. Results showed univariate associations between ADHD and lifetime inflammatory diseases including atopic dermatitis (p = 0.002), otitis media (p = 0.001), and herpes simplex infection (p = 0.032). In logistic regression models adjusted for clinically relevant confounders, we found that ADHD remained asignificant predictor of all three inflammatory diseases (atopic dermatitis, Exp(β) = 1.672, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.239-2.257, p = 0.001; otitis media, Exp(β) = 1.571, 95% CI 1.209-2.040, p = 0.001; herpes simplex, Exp(β) = 1.483, 95% CI 1.137-1.933, p = 0.004). Our findings demonstrate apositive link between ADHD and peripheral inflammatory diseases, including atopic dermatitis, otitis media, and herpes simplex infection. Further studies are needed to understand the exact pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these associations.