Is There A Relationship Between Adult ADHD and Bipolar Symptoms? A Cross-Sectional Study with Primary Care Applicants in Ankara, Turkey

Abstract

Objectives: ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and BAD (Bipolar Affective Disorder) are two diseases that are frequently interrelated and there are difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. In this study, it was aimed to examine the prevalence of adult ADHD and its relationship with BAD. Methods: 1517 people attending primary health care services in Ankara were evaluated with sociodemographic data, Adult Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report (ASRS), and Bipolar Prodrome Symptom Scale (BPSS). Results: The prevalence of adult ADHD was 3.7%. The rate of the participants whose bipolar frequency score was above the cut-off point was 47.2% in the non-ADHD group and 70.4% in the ADHD group. These rates were 7.6% and 37.0% according to the bipolar severity scores, respectively. 14.5% of the ADHD group and 1.6% of the non-ADHD group had a forensic event (p