Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Research Articles

ADHD symptoms as risk factor for PTSD in inpatients treated for alcohol use disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more common in alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients than in the general population. Still, there is a lack of knowledge about the relationship between the two conditions in these patients. The main objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of ADHD symptoms, and the relationship between ADHD symptoms and PTSD in AUD inpatients in treatment. Data from 85 AUD patients were collected. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) was used to measure ADHD symptoms in all patients. Differences between groups split by PTSD diagnosis and by ASRS clinical cut-off were described, and the relationship between ADHD symptom level and PTSD was tested in a multiple regression model. Almost half the patients scored above ASRS cut-off and 14% had PTSD. Of the patients whose score was above cut-off on the ASRS 23% had PTSD, versus 7% among those below cut-off. Higher ASRS score was associated with PTSD even when age, sex and trauma were adjusted for. This study confirms the high level of ADHD symptoms in AUD patients in treatment. Diagnostic evaluation of PTSD is recommended in patients with ADHD attending inpatient treatment programs for AUD.

Depressive mood changes are associated with self-perceptions of ADHD characteristics in adults

Subjective attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms seen in adult depressive patients have often become a pathophysiological topic in recent years. Screening questionnaires are widely used for detecting ADHD; however, the risk of misdiagnosis exists. The present study examined whether self-perceptions of ADHD-related characteristics were consistent regardless of changes in the severity of depressive symptoms. Between April to October 2018, newly diagnosed depressed outpatients aged 24–59 years with good social functioning and without a history of ADHD were asked to fill out the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale version 1.1 (ASRS) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline (n = 726) and 12-week follow-up (n = 202). A statistically significant correlation was found between a change in BDI and ASRS scores (score at baseline minus score at the endpoint; r = .57). In addition, the higher the rate of improvement in BDI, the lower the frequency of positive screening for ADHD by ASRS. This study showed that subjective ADHD symptoms were correlated with depressive states. Diagnostic evaluation of comorbid ADHD using self-report scales in a primary care setting should be made with caution.

Validity and accuracy of the Adult Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Self‐Report Scale (ASRS) and the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) symptom checklists in discriminating between adults with and without ADHD

The article by Brevik et al. (2020) was published with incorrect figure 1. The correct figure is placed below.

Probable role of listening therapy in the management of ADHD symptoms: Three case studies

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder that affects individuals throughout life, although generally diagnosed during the school years. Multimodal perspectives are recommended during treatment. A variety of non-pharmacological interventions, including psychoeducational approaches, are widely available particularly for clients who refuse to use or are resistant to medication, although the real effect sizes remain uncertain. The effect of music therapy as a complement to ADHD treatment has emerged especially in the last 20 years with neuroimaging studies. Recent research has indicated that music experience influences reward, emotion, motivation and pleasure, stress and the immune system, and social relationships, as well as cognitive skills. Listening to filtered music also influences auditory functions. Sound or listening therapy originated from the Tomatis audio-psycho-phonological (APP) method aims to train the vestibular system auditory functions that are assumed to be connected with both top-down (higher brain structures) and bottom-up (peripheral to central) brain functioning and the peripheral nervous system. In this case report, we discuss the probable impact of listening or sound therapy in the management of ADHD symptoms, particularly in terms of sustained attention, reaction time, and inhibitory control (impulsivity/hyperactivity) measured by a distracted continuous performance test (CPT) and learning and behavioral problems assessed by rating scales. Three adolescents (aged 14, 15, and 17 years) in Turkey with ADHD-combined presentation diagnosed by a psychiatrist were given 30 sessions (totaling 60 h) of the sound program with an auditory stimulation device developed by an APP method. The participants were assessed before and after the program and their scores compared using the CPT (MOXO d-CPT), Conners Rating Scales for Parents (CPRS) and Teachers (CTRS), and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) based on the ages of the participants, in addition to the listening checklist. Although the differences in the scores did not represent any statistical significance, the findings could still be noteworthy indicators of future prospective studies for the exact role of these non-pharmacological supportive interventions.

ASRS Questionnaire and Tobacco Use: Not Just a Cigarette. A Screening Study in an Italian Young Adult Sample.

Young adults exhibit greater sensitivity than adults to nicotine reinforcement, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) increases the risk for early-onset smoking. We investigated the correlation between ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) scores and smoking, evaluated the prevalence of ADHD symptomatology (not diagnoses) in smokers and non-smokers and its comorbidity with benzodiazepine and gambling addictions. A total of 389 young adults from 14 schools in Northern Italy fill out a survey and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). A total of 15.2% of subjects tested positive at the ASRS, which correlated with smoking; moreover, smokers had twice the probability of testing positive at the ASRS. ADHD symptomatology, especially when comorbid with tobacco abuse, is an important condition to monitor because early nicotine exposure could be a gateway for other addictive behaviors.

The Relationship between Sluggish Cognitive Tempo, Self-esteem, and Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder among University Students

The present paper aims at determining the contribution of the Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) and self-esteem to predicting Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among female university students in Saudi Arabia. It examines the differences in the research variables according to academic achievement. It also identifies the correlations of these variables. The authors applied the research instruments, i.e., the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1), Adult Concentration Inventory (ACI), and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) to a sample of 203 female university students aged 19-31 years (M = 23.29 years; SD= 3.74 years). The results showed no differences in the mean scores of ASRS, ACI, and negative self-esteem in the achievement levels among university students. In contrast, there was a positive direct relationship between ADHD, SCT, and negative self-esteem. SCT contributed significantly (by 40%), whereas self-esteem contributed by 6% in predicting ADHD among university students. The study highlighted the contribution of both negative self-esteem and SCT to predicting ADHD among Saudi university students to understand the nature of the disorder and its predictors. The findings of this study can be utilized to develop preventive programs for enhancing self-esteem and increasing attention among university students.
 
 Received: 17 December 2020 / Accepted: 31 January 2021 / Published: 5 March 2021

A Preliminary Investigation of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Characteristics in Adults Who Stutter

Purpose Recent studies have shown that many children who stutter may have elevated characteristics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Although childhood ADHD commonly persists into adulthood, it is unclear how many adults who stutter experience aspects of ADHD (e.g., inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity). This study sought to increase understanding of how ADHD characteristics might affect individuals who stutter by evaluating (a) whether elevated ADHD characteristics are common in adults who stutter, (b) whether elevated ADHD characteristics in adults who stutter were significantly associated with greater adverse impact related to stuttering, and (c) whether individual differences in Repetitive Negative Thinking (RNT) and Effortful Control influenced this relationship. Method Two hundred fifty-four adults who stutter completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire, the Adult Temperament Questionnaire short form, and the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed via multiple linear regression to determine whether the number of inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity characteristics was significantly associated with RNT, Effortful Control, or Adverse Impact related to stuttering. Results Almost one quarter of participants (23.2%; 60/254) self-reported experiencing six or more inattention characteristics, while fewer participants (8.3%; 21/254) self-reported experiencing six or more hyperactivity/impulsivity characteristics. Participants with lower Effortful Control and higher levels of both RNT and Adverse Impact were significantly more likely to self-report experiencing more inattention characteristics. Discussion Many adults who stutter may exhibit previously unaccounted for characteristics of ADHD, especially inattention. Results highlight the value of continued research on the intersectionality of stuttering, ADHD, and attention, and the importance of individualizing therapy to the needs of each unique person who stutters.

Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and early maladaptive schemas.

The purpose of the current study is to present the early maladaptive schemas in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study sample comprised 107 participants, including 55 adult ADHD and 52 healthy volunteers. The age of the participants ranged between 18 and 32 years. Structured Clinical Interview Form for DSM-IV Axis I (SCID-I) and Structured Clinical Interview Form for DSM-III-R Disorders (SCID-II) were applied to all participants and Diagnostic Interview for ADHD (DIVA) for ADHD group based on DSM-5 criteria. The participants filled the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3), Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Wender Utah RatingScale-25 (WURS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). All maladaptive schemas were found to be statistically significantly higher in the ADHD group. As compatible with ADHD core symptoms, "Failure," "Emotional Inhibition," "Insufficient Self-Control" and "Social Isolation" were the most seen maladaptive schemas in the ADHD group. "Approval Seeking," "Entitlement/Grandiosity" and "Punitiveness" were found the weakest schemas in the ADHD group. This study besides supporting the theory of early maladaptive schemas suggests that identifying and modifying maladaptive schemas interventions based on specific schemas can be an important and useful method for psychotherapy in treatment of ADHD.

Impaired auditory and visual time reproduction in adult patients with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder

ABSTRACT Objective: Although impaired time perception is associated with significant disturbance in the everyday functioning of adult patients with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it is not very well studied. The present study aimed to evaluate both visual and auditory time reproduction (TR) by using eight time intervals in adult ADHD patients compared to healthy controls (HC). Method: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-R (WAIS-R), Adult Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), Hyperfocusing Scale (HS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and a 2-back task were administered to participants. In TR tasks, participants reproduced the same duration of the auditory/visual stimulus by pressing a key and absolute discrepancy scores (ADS) were calculated. A 2 (Group) x 2 (Task Modality) x 8 (Time Interval: 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 6000, 8000, 12000 and 16000 msec) mixed-design ANOVA was performed. Results: All clinical scores of ADHD group were higher than HC (p < .001) while WAIS-R and 2-back performances of the groups were similar. Mixed-design ANOVA yielded significant Group and Time Interval main effects as well as a Group X Time Interval effect (both p < .001). ADHD patients had larger ADS than HC and as time intervals increased, error levels increased. Errors for time intervals >8000 msec were more prominent in patients. For both TR tasks, ASRS-hyperactivity/impulsivity scores were the main predictor of ADS in the linear regression analysis, while ASRS-attention deficit and HS scores were excluded. Conclusion: Results of the present study indicate significant TR impairment in adult ADHD regardless of task modality (visual or auditory), depressive symptoms and working memory performances. Longer time intervals in TR tasks differentiated patients better and TR impairment was associated with hyperactivity/impulsivity. These findings should be replicated in larger samples and underlying neurobiological components of impaired TR need to be examined in future research.

Screening for adult ADHD using brief rating tools: What can we conclude from a positive screen? Some caveats

Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is prevalent but often overlooked and undertreated. Left untreated, it is linked to increased risk of untoward outcomes including unemployment, relationship breakups, substance use, driving accidents and other mental health conditions. Several brief screening tools have been developed for adult ADHD. The most frequently used is the World Health Organization's Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS V1.1). Here, we show in two independent population samples (UK: N = 642, USA: N = 579) that the tool resulted in considerable overestimation of ADHD, indicating probable ADHD in 26.0% and 17.3% of participants, as compared to expected prevalence of 2.5%. The estimated positive predictive value was only ~11.5%. Both samples had normal levels of trait impulsivity as assessed using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale. The data indicate that using the ASRS in general population samples will result in 7–10 times over-identification of ADHD. We use these results to highlight how such tools should most appropriately be used. When being used to determine possible cases (such as for onward referral to an ADHD specialist) they should be complemented by clinical assessment – we give examples of how non-specialists might determine this. When measuring ADHD symptoms dimensionally, researchers should be mindful that the ASRS captures impulsive symptoms other than those due to ADHD. Lastly, we note the need to screen for impulse control disorders (e.g., gambling disorder) when using such tools to measure ADHD, be it for onward referral, or for dimensional research studies.

Alcohol- and cigarette-use-related behaviors across gender, dysfunctional COVID-19 anxiety, and the presence of probable ADHD during the pandemic: A cross-sectional study in a sample of Turkish young adults

Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the alcohol- and cigarette-use-related behaviors among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions in Turkey. The second objective was to evaluate whether the gender, dysfunctional COVID-19 anxiety, and presence of probable attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are associated with the increase in alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking while controlling the effects of current age and diagnosis of anxiety disorder before the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: The study was conducted with an online survey among volunteer participants of young adults. The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) were used to evaluate a group of university students. Results: A total of 1,042 respondents (mean age 26.9±10.9 years; 61.6% female) filled out the survey. Of these, 17.6% reported an increase and 7.7% reported reduced cigarette smoking, whereas 10.8% reported an increase and 8.5% reported reduced alcohol consumption during the pandemic. Both rates of increased cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption were higher among males and those with probable ADHD. In the logistic regression analyses, male gender, COVID-19 related dysfunctional anxiety, and presence of probable ADHD were related to the increase in alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, while the current age and diagnosis of anxiety disorder before the COVID-19 pandemic were not. Conclusion: Findings of the current study may suggest that the pandemic period is related to both anv increase and a reduction of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking. Males with probable ADHD and higher levels of COVID-19 related dysfunctional anxiety have a higher risk of increasing both alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking.

The association of probable ADHD with the increase in video gaming and the disordered gaming symptom severity during COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey

Objective: The objective of the study is to examine the association of probable attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with the increase in video gaming and the severity of disordered gaming symptoms among young adults during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The second objective was to examine the mediating role of COVID-19 related dysfunctional anxiety and current age. Methods: The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1), the nine-item Internet Gaming Disorder Scale- Short Form (IGDS9-SF), and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) were used to evaluate university students. Results: Participants with probable ADHD (n=117, 21.2%) did not differ in terms of age, gender, romantic relationship, employment status, and time spent on the gaming when compared with participants without probable ADHD (n=441, 79.0%). However, they had a higher rate of problems related to gaming, diagnosis of anxiety disorder before the COVID-19 pandemic and higher scale scores (IGDS9-SF and CAS). In the hierarchical logistic regression analysis, probable ADHD predicted the increase in video gaming during the pandemic, but when the current age and the dysfunctional anxiety related with COVID-19 were included in the analysis, they were significant predictors, whereas probable ADHD was no more a predictor. While probable ADHD was associated with the symptom severity of disordered gaming in ANCOVA, COVID-19 related dysfunctional anxiety was a significant covariate. Conclusion: Findings of the current study may suggest that the relationship between probable ADHD and the increase in video gaming during the pandemic was mediated by lower age and COVID-19 related dysfunctional anxiety among young adults. Additionally, while COVID-19 related dysfunctional anxiety was a significant covariate for the severity of disordered gaming symptoms, probable ADHD was independently associated with the symptom severity of disordered gaming.

Current and Retrospective Childhood Ratings of Emotional Fluctuations in Adults With ADHD.

Introduction: Emotional fluctuations and mood swings are common among adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Here we investigated if these problems could be retrospectively traced back to childhood behavior.Methods: Adults with an ADHD diagnosis (n = 502, 48% female) and a population-based control sample (n = 818, 59% female) completed the Adult ADHD Self-report Scale (ASRS), the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) and the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ). All participants also provided self-reported information about co-existent psychiatric and somatic diseases, and demographic data. Reports on the MDQ were used to define subgroups with [MDQ(+)] and without [MDQ(–)] life-time periods of emotional fluctuations and the WURS scale was used to retrospectively assess childhood ADHD related behaviors and symptoms.Results: 50.2% of the ADHD group and 5% of the controls were defined with emotional fluctuations [MDQ(+)]. Childhood behavior ratings of “impulsivity,” “loosing of control,” and “trouble with authorities” independently predicted emotional fluctuations reported in adulthood via logistic regression analyses. Inclusion of these three items in a classification analysis gave an accuracy score around 70% in identifying each of the two MDQ categories in the ADHD group.Discussion: The strong association between self-reported features of emotional problems in childhood and in adulthood suggests a trajectory that should be detected and remediated at an early age. Future longitudinal studies should prioritize the examination of developmental mechanisms explaining the persistence of emotional problems from childhood into adulthood.

Associations between inattention and impulsivity ADHD symptoms and disordered eating risk in a community sample of young adults.

Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and trait impulsivity have been associated with disordered eating but are seldom assessed in community studies, or longitudinally and little is known about the mediating mechanisms. We tested associations between ADHD symptoms and disordered eating cross-sectionally and between trait impulsivity and disordered eating longitudinally. We utilised data from a normative cohort of young adults (642 participants: 65% female, Mage = 23 years). Participants were classified as high risk or low risk for disordered eating using the SCOFF instrument. In the first two steps of both cross-sectional and longitudinal hierarchical logistic regression models, demographics and covariates were entered. For the cross-sectional regression, Adult ADHD self-report scale (ASRS) scores, separated into inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, were entered in the third step. In a separate longitudinal model, Barratt impulsivity scale subscales (attentional, motor and non-planning impulsivity) were entered in the third step. Depression, as assessed by the moods and feelings questionnaire (MFQ), was examined as a mediator. Cross-sectionally, sex, MFQ score and inattentive symptoms predicted disordered eating risk (model R2 = 20%). Longitudinally, sex, MFQ score and attentional impulsivity predicted disordered eating risk (model R2 = 16%). The relationship between inattentive symptoms and the disordered eating risk was partially mediated by MFQ score, whereas the relationship between attentional impulsivity and the disordered eating risk was fully mediated by MFQ scores. These data highlight (1) a specific role for inattentive symptoms of ADHD and (2) the importance of both depression and impulsivity in predicting eating disorder risk.

Five-year outcomes of ADHD diagnosed in adulthood.

There is a dearth of long‐term follow‐up studies of adults diagnosed with ADHD. Here, the aim was to evaluate long‐term outcomes in a group of ADHD patients diagnosed in adulthood and receiving routine psychiatric health care. Adults diagnosed with any type of ADHD (n = 52) and healthy controls (n = 73) were assessed at baseline and at a 5‐year follow‐up, using Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Brown ADD Scale (BADDS) and Adult ADHD Self‐Report Scale (ASRS). A multivariate regression method was used to identify factors predicting 5‐year outcomes, including baseline ratings, medication intensity, comorbidity, intelligence quotient (IQ), age, and sex. After 5 years, ADHD patients reported fewer and/or less severe symptoms compared to baseline, but remained at clinically significant symptom levels and with functional deficits. Baseline self‐reports of ADHD symptoms predicted their own 5‐year outcome and low baseline functioning level predicted improved global functioning at follow‐up. Factors previously reported to predict short‐term outcomes (i.e., medication, comorbidity, IQ, age, and sex) did not anticipate long‐term outcomes in present study.

Sex differences in prevalence, risk factors and clinical correlates of internet addiction among chinese college students

BackgroundInternet addiction(IA) is now very common. However, few studies have explored the sex differences in risk factors for IA, especially among Chinese college students. This study aimed to investigate the sex differences in prevalence, risk factors and clinical correlates of IA among Chinese college students. MethodsA total of 8098 college students from Hunan province were recruited using a cross-sectional design and a convenience sampling method. Each student filled out the survey online anonymously, which collected their information on their socio-demographics, internet addiction(Revised Chinese internet addiction scale;CIAS-R), ADHD(Wender Utah Rating Scale and World Health Organization (WHO) Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale v 1.1 Symptom Checklist), depression(Self-reporting Depression Scale;SDS), insomnia(Athens Insomnia Scale;AIS), anxiety(Self-Rating Anxiety Scale;SAS) and suicidal behaviors through WeChat. ResultsOverall, the prevalence of IA in males and females was 7.21%(259/3592) and 8.17%(368/4506), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that suicidal ideation[odds ratio (OR),1.557;95% confidence interval (CI),1.083-2.240], suicide attempts(OR,2.081;95%CI:1.271-3.409), ADHD(OR,6.487;95%CI,4.697-8.959) and insomnia(OR,2.596;95%CI,1.910-3.529) were independent risk factors for male IA after controlling for confounding variables. Nationality(OR,1.507;95%CI,1.058-2.145), suicidal ideation(OR,2.012;95%CI,1.532-2.641), depression(OR,1.771;95%CI:1.071-2.930), ADHD(OR,4.497; 95%CI,3.285-6.158) and insomnia(OR,2.356;95%CI,1.813-3.061) were independent risk factors for female IA. LimitationNo causal relationships could be drawn due to the cross-sectional design. ConclusionsThis study shows IA is common among both sexes. IA is significantly associated with ADHD, insomnia and suicidal behaviors in both male and female students, indicating the importance of screening IA and addressing ADHD, insomnia and suicidal behaviors to improve the mental health of college students and better prevent suicide in both sexes.

Eating behaviors, depression, and anxiety levels of pre bariatric surgery patients with obesity comorbid with or without Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder: ADHD or Major Depression? Which is more related with eating behaviors?

ObjectiveA high rate of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been reported in patients undergoing obesity treatment. It is controversial whether ADHD solely or its comorbid disorders account for eating behaviors associated with obesity.MethodsAfter presurgery psychiatric assessment, 100 severely obese patients (50 with ADHD and 50 without ADHD) were administered Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self‐Report Scale(ASRS), Wender Utah Rating Scale(WURS), Three‐Factor Eating Questionnaire(TFEQ), and Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory(BAI).ResultsPatients with obesity and ADHD had significantly greater emotional eating, susceptibility to hunger, depression, and anxiety but less restraint of eating scores than those without ADHD. Disinhibition of eating scores and presence of Binge Eating Disorder(BED) did not differ significantly between ADHD and non‐ADHD groups. Obese patients with major depression had significantly higher ASRS, WURS, TFEQ, BAI scores, disinhibition of eating control, emotional eating, susceptibility to hunger, and diagnosis of BED than nondepressed ones.ConclusionsMajor depression and anxiety disorder have associations with disinhibition of eating control, emotional eating, susceptibility to hunger and BED, ADHD. Disinhibition of eating and BED did not differ according to the presence of ADHD; thus, depression was associated with eating control on more constructs than ADHD in our study.

Prevalence and characteristics of South African treatment-seeking patients with substance use disorder and co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

ABSTRACT Background Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) constitutes a significant risk factor for the development of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). Individuals with both conditions use more substances, and the pattern of substance use seems to differ between individuals with and without ADHD. Research aim and objectives To establish the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in adult South African treatment-seeking patients with SUD, and the pattern of substance use and presence of previous ADHD diagnoses and pharmacotherapy. Methods Adult patients (N = 360) were recruited from rehabilitation facilities and screened using the ADHD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist (ASRS-v1.1). Questions included demographics, substance consumption and current/historical use of ADHD-indicated medication. Results A third (36.0%) of patients with SUD screened positive for ADHD – 14.6% had been diagnosed with ADHD prior to admission, and indicated pharmacotherapy, while 68.5% of those screened positive were not hitherto diagnosed with ADHD (p < 0.001). A statistical difference was found for polysubstance use with the ADHD group significantly being treated more frequently for use of more than one substance (p = 0.04). Conclusions and implications High rates of untreated and unrecognized ADHD were found among treatment-seeking SUD patients. Preventative strategies are crucial to reduce substance use and the development of SUD in individuals affected by ADHD.

The Relationship Between Response-Inhibitory Event-Related Potentials and Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adult Patients with Major Depressive Disorder.

ObjectiveAttention-deficit and poor impulse control have frequently been observed in major depressive disorder (MDD) and attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Altered event-related potential (ERP) performance, such as GoNogo tasks, has been regarded as a neurocognitive process associated with attention and behavioral inhibition. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between Nogo ERP and adult ADHD in MDD. MethodsA total of 64 participants with MDD (32 comorbid with ADHD) and 32 healthy controls aged 19–45 years were recruited; they performed GoNogo paradigms during electroencephalogram measurement. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) were evaluated. Clinical measures and GoNogo ERP were compared between three groups: depression with ADHD, depression without ADHD, and healthy controls. ResultsMDD subjects with ADHD showed significantly decreased Nogo P3 amplitude at frontal electrode, compared with those without ADHD and healthy controls. MDD subjects with ADHD showed significantly longer Nogo N2 latency at frontal and frontocentral electrodes, compared with those without ADHD and healthy controls. In MDD subjects with ADHD, the Nogo P3 amplitude at the frontal electrode was negatively correlated with the ASRS score and inattention. The Nogo N2 latency at the frontal electrode was positively correlated with false alarm rate. Conclusion The decreased Nogo P3 amplitude in the frontal area might be a potential biological marker for inattention in depressed patients with ADHD.

Validity of the Korean Version of DIVA-5: A Semi-Structured Diagnostic Interview for Adult ADHD.

BackgroundThis study was to assess the validity of the Korean version of the semi-structured Diagnostic Interview for Adult ADHD, third edition (DIVA-5). The secondary aim was to compare sociodemographic and psychiatric comorbidities in adult patients with and without a diagnosis of ADHD.MethodsA total of 279 participants were recruited from nine psychiatric outpatient clinics in Korea. All participants were administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) Plus v.5.0.0, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale v1.1 (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist, and DIVA-5. Diagnosis concordance between two board-certified psychiatrists and DIVA-5 were analysed.ResultsThe DIVA-5 showed a diagnostic accuracy of 92%, a sensitivity of 91.30%, and a specificity of 93.62%. Significant clinical and demographic differences between ADHD and control groups were found.ConclusionThe Korean version of DIVA-5 is a reliable tool for assessing and diagnosing ADHD in adult Korean populations.