Abstract

While impulsivity is a basic feature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), no study explored the effect of different components of the Impulsiveness (Imp) and Venturesomeness (Vent) scale (IV7) on psychiatric comorbidities and an ADHD polygenic risk score (PRS). We used the IV7 self-report scale in an adult ADHD sample of 903 patients, 70% suffering from additional comorbid disorders, and in a subsample of 435 genotyped patients. Venturesomeness, unlike immediate Impulsivity, is not specific to ADHD. We consequently analyzed the influence of Imp and Vent also in the context of a PRS on psychiatric comorbidities of ADHD. Vent shows a distinctly different distribution of comorbidities, e.g., less anxiety and depression. PRS showed no effect on different ADHD comorbidities, but correlated with childhood hyperactivity. In a complementary analysis using principal component analysis with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition ADHD criteria, revised NEO Personality Inventory, Imp, Vent, and PRS, we identified three ADHD subtypes. These are an impulsive–neurotic type, an adventurous–hyperactive type with a stronger genetic component, and an anxious–inattentive type. Our study thus suggests the importance of adventurousness and the differential consideration of impulsivity in ADHD. The genetic risk is distributed differently between these subtypes, which underlines the importance of clinically motivated subtyping. Impulsivity subtyping might give insights into the organization of comorbid disorders in ADHD and different genetic background.

Highlights

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in early childhood and continues into adulthood

  • Our study provided evidence that impulsivity and venturesomeness give rise to a very specific pattern of psychiatric comorbid disorders in ADHD and that not all ADHD patients are per definition “thrill-seeking.”

  • In a subgroup of our patients, venturesomeness seems to be even decreased as it is negatively correlated with anxiety disorders, and our sample had a high number of ADHD patients suffering from anxiety disorders

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that manifests in early childhood and continues into adulthood. Adult ADHD is characterized by a complex pattern of comorbidities, e.g., anxiety, depression, or substance abuse disorders [1], and shows significant heritability [2, 3]. During the developmental trajectory of ADHD, patients often contract comorbid disorders [2]. In a study of more than 18,000 Swedish twins, presence of ADHD leads to an increase of 33% for regular nicotine use, 154% for multiple drug use, and 258% for alcohol dependence [5]. Adult ADHD increases risk for anxiety disorders by 200% and major depression by 450% [6, 7]. As increased impulsivity has a role in substance use disorder (SUD), it may be a risk factor for negative outcomes in patients with adult ADHD [8, 9]

Objectives
Methods
Results
Conclusion
Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call