Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Research Articles

Risky Sexual Behavior and Its Association With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Stressful Life Events, and Other Psychiatric Correlates Among Women in Sex Work

Introduction: Numerous psychiatric disorders are known to be associated with risky sexual behavior (RSB). Depression or substance use is known to be higher in those who are in sex work. Recent literature has also described the association between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and RSB. However, the association between ADHD and RSB among women in sex work (WSW) is relatively unknown. In this background, this study was conducted to study the prevalence of ADHD and associated psychiatric correlates among WSW and also to study the prevalence of RSB in this population. Methodology: A sample of 96 women who were in sex work and consented to be the part of the study were recruited. They were later administered Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale to screen for adult ADHD symptoms, Wender Utah Rating Scale to retrospectively look into a childhood diagnosis of ADHD, MINI neuropsychiatric interview for DSM 4-TR psychiatric diagnoses, HIV Risk Behavior Scale to study RSB, Beck’s Depression Inventory to quantify depression, and Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale to quantify the presence of stressful life events. Results: The prevalence of Adult ADHD in the sample was 32.20 % (n = 31). Individuals with ADHD had a higher prevalence of RSB ( P = .02), comorbid depression ( P = .04), presence of stressful life events ( P = .001), and a higher prevalence of sexually transmitted infections ( P = .03). Conclusion: The prevalence of ADHD is high among WSW (32%). Risky sexual behavior in this population could be probably due to higher prevalence of associated psychiatric conditions including depression, higher presence of stressful life events, and ADHD, the association which is less understood. There is a need to replicate these findings in larger samples to study ADHD and its relationship with risky sexual behavior among WSW.

The Development of a ADHD Symptoms Scale in Young Adults

OBJECTIVE: To find out ADHD symptoms in a sample of young adults. To develop ADHD symptoms in a sample of young adults. METHODOLOGY: A mixed-methods design was used. The study was carried out from July 2019 to February 2020 in series of phases. In phase I, 20 university students of BS Hon (11 women, 9 men) age range 18-24 were interviewed and a list of 77 items for scale was finalized. In phase II, Content Validity Index (CVI) was established and 54 items for the scale were retained and further piloted study on 20 university students of BS Hon (10 Men 10 women) through purposive sampling from 2 private and 2 government universities of Lahore in Phase III. University students of M.A/ MSc, MS, and other programs were excluded from the study. Finally, in Phase IV, a final list of 54 items for the scale (Attention Deficits Hyperactive Symptoms Scale), Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (AASR-VI. I), and Student Problems Checklist (SPCL)was given to the sample of 727 university students of BS Hon (293 (40%) men and 434 (60 %) women) with the age range of 18-24 years (M= 19.86, SD= 1.51). After collecting all data SPSS 21 version and AMOS 21 version was used for analyzing the data. RESULTS: Exploratory Factor Analysis produced 3 factors which were confirmed through Confirmatory Factor Analysis inattention, hyperactivity, and proactive. The scale was found high internal consistency ?=.84, split-half reliability r=.84, and test-retest reliability r=.84, concurrent validity, and construct validity. CONCLUSION: ADHSS found cultural specific with high psychometric properties and useful for identifying the symptom of ADHD. Keywords: ADHD, Young Adults, Scale, Reliability

Neurofeedback Learning Is Skill Acquisition but Does Not Guarantee Treatment Benefit: Continuous-Time Analysis of Learning-Curves From a Clinical Trial for ADHD

Neurofeedback for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has long been studied as an alternative to medication, promising non-invasive treatment with minimal side-effects and sustained outcome. However, debate continues over the efficacy of neurofeedback, partly because existing evidence for efficacy is mixed and often non-specific, with unclear relationships between prognostic variables, patient performance when learning to self-regulate, and treatment outcomes. We report an extensive analysis on the understudied area of neurofeedback learning. Our data comes from a randomised controlled clinical trial in adults with ADHD (registered trial ISRCTN13915109; N = 23; 13:10 female:male; age 25–57). Patients were treated with either theta-beta ratio or sensorimotor-rhythm regimes for 40 one-hour sessions. We classify 11 learners vs 12 non-learners by the significance of random slopes in a linear mixed growth-curve model. We then analyse the predictors, outcomes, and processes of learners vs non-learners, using these groups as mutual controls. Significant predictive relationships were found in anxiety disorder (GAD), dissociative experience (DES), and behavioural inhibition (BIS) scores obtained during screening. Low DES, but high GAD and BIS, predicted positive learning. Patterns of behavioural outcomes from Test Of Variables of Attention, and symptoms from adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, suggested that learning itself is not required for positive outcomes. Finally, the learning process was analysed using structural-equations modelling with continuous-time data, estimating the short-term and sustained impact of each session on learning. A key finding is that our results support the conceptualisation of neurofeedback learning as skill acquisition, and not merely operant conditioning as originally proposed in the literature.

The Validity of the World Health Organization Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Screening Scale for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition in Adolescence.

Objectives: Short, self-report screening measures for adolescent and adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) would greatly enhance the likelihood of ADHD subjects to be correctly diagnosed and treated. This study aimed at testing the reliability, factor structure, convergent validity, external validity, and diagnostic accuracy of the official Italian translation of the ADHD Self-Report Screening Scale for DSM-5 (ASRS-5) in a sample of community-dwelling adolescents, extending previous data on adult participants to adolescent participants. Methods: Five hundred sixty-four community-dwelling male adolescents (mean age ≅15) were administered the ASRS-5, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale 18-item and 6-item versions (ASRS-18 and ASRS-6), the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), and the Structured Clinician Interview for DSM-5-Clinician Version ADHD Module (SCID-5-CV-ADHD). School performance variables were also collected. Results: The item response theory (IRT) reliability of ASRS-5 was adequate. Dimensionality analyses strongly supported the unidimensional structure of ASRS-5 items; confirmatory factor analysis fit indices supported the adequacy of the one-factor model of ASRS-5. In terms of convergent validity, the ASRS-5 total score was significantly and positively associated with self-report and interview-based ADHD dimensional scores, as well as with school performance variables. Roughly 8.0% of our male adolescents met SCID-5-CV-ADHD criteria for categorical ADHD diagnosis. Ten-fold cross-validated receiver operating curve value was 0.843; precision-recall curve analysis suggests that an ASRS-5 total score >12 may be preferred for screening purposes in adolescence. Conclusions: Our data showed that the ASRS-5 may represent a psychometrically sound self-report instrument to reliably screen for DSM-5 ADHD, extending the range of application of ASRS-5 from adulthood to adolescence, suggesting that the ASRS-5 could be safely used for screening purposes also in community-dwelling adolescents, at least in its official Italian translation.

The Association of Oral Stimulant Medication Adherence with Work Productivity among Adults with ADHD

Objective: Examine associations between oral psychostimulant pharmacotherapy adherence, work productivity, and related indirect costs among US adults with ADHD. Methods: Medication adherence (Medication Adherence Reasons Scale [MAR-Scale]), work productivity and activity impairment (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment–General Health questionnaire), and ADHD symptom level (Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale version 1.1 Symptom Checklist) were assessed in this noninterventional online survey of adults who self-reported having an ADHD diagnosis and were currently receiving oral psychostimulant treatment for ≥3 months. Results: Of 602 respondents, 395 had low/medium adherence (LMA: MAR-Scale total score ≥1) and 207 had high adherence (HA: MAR-Scale total score 0). After adjusting for covariates, the LMA group had significantly greater levels of absenteeism, absenteeism-related indirect costs, and total indirect costs (all p < .01) than the HA group. Conclusion: In adults with ADHD using oral psychostimulants, lower medication adherence was associated with greater absenteeism and indirect costs.

Autistic Traits and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms Predict the Severity of Internet Gaming Disorder in an Italian Adult Population.

Over the last decade, internet gaming has been a fast-growing recreational activity. Gamers risk their leisure activity becoming an addiction. In the present study, we aimed to measure the prevalence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in an adult population of video game players and to investigate the association between demographic variables, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) severity, and IGD in adults. Through an online survey, we recruited 4260 individuals aged between 18 and 55 years old, who were members of online communities of video gamers. We collected demographic data and administered three questionnaires: the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form (IGD9-SF), the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), and the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Of the overall sample, 29.67% scored above the cut-off of 21 points for the IGD9-SF. Multiple linear regression models showed that daily spare time, autistic traits, and ADHD symptoms were positively associated with the severity of IGD in adults, after controlling for demographic variables. Future studies are required in order to explore factors linked to IGD in adults.

The Mediating Effects of Self-Esteem and Harm Avoidance on the Association between Social Anxiety Symptoms and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Symptom Severity in Turkish Inpatients with Alcohol Use Disorder.

Objective: The first objective of this research was to examine the association of the symptom severity of social anxiety with the adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom severity in Turkish patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The second objective was to examine if harm avoidance and self-esteem mediated this relationship.Method: This cross-sectional analysis was performed among 151 inpatients with AUD at the Bakirkoy/AMATEM, a treatment center for substance use disorder, in Istanbul. Patients were examined with the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS), the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (SES), and the temperament dimension of Harm Avoidance (HA). Using SPSS-20 software, the data was analyzed using Pearson correlations, multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), and multiple linear regressions.Results: The scales scores were mildly correlated with each other. The low self-esteem and high HA were related with the inattentive (IN) dimension of ADHD, whereas low self-esteem solely predicted hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI) dimension of ADHD in MANCOVA. In the linear regression analysis, the severity of social anxiety, particularly avoidance dimension, was associated with the symptom severity of ADHD. In the second step of the analysis, together with the avoidance dimension of social anxiety, self-esteem was associated with the symptom severity of ADHD. However, in the third step, after including HA as an independent variable in the analysis, the avoidance dimension of social anxiety was no longer associated with the severity of adult ADHD symptoms, whereas self-esteem together with HA (particularly “anticipatory worry and pessimism” [HA-1], and “asthenia and fatigability” [HA-4]) predicted.Conclusion: Findings of the present study shows that although the symptom severity of social anxiety is associated with the severity of ADHD symptoms among inpatients with AUD, among dimensions of social anxiety, the avoidance dimension plays a main role in this relationship. Also, while the self-esteem partially mediates this relationship, HA seems to have a full mediator effect on this relationship.

Can the MMPI Predict Adult ADHD? An Approach Using Machine Learning Methods.

(1) Background: Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms cause various social difficulties due to attention deficit and impulsivity. In addition, in contrast to ADHD in childhood, ADHD in adulthood is difficult to diagnose due to mixed psychopathologies. This study aimed to determine whether it is possible to predict ADHD symptoms in adults using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) with machine learning (ML) techniques; (2) Methods: Data collected from 5726 college students were analyzed. The MMPI-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) was used, and ADHD symptoms in adults were evaluated using the Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS). For statistical analysis, three ML algorithms were used, i.e., K-nearest neighbors (KNN), linear discriminant analysis (LDA), and random forest, with the ASRS evaluation result as the dependent variable and the 50 MMPI-2-RF scales as predictors; (3) Results: When the KNN, LDA, and random forest techniques were applied, the accuracy was 93.1%, 91.2%, and 93.6%, respectively, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.722, 0.806, and 0.790, respectively. The AUC of the LDA method was the largest, with an excellent level of diagnostic accuracy; (4) Conclusions: ML using the MMPI-2 in a large group could provide reliable accuracy in screening for adult ADHD.

Impact of Perceived Social Support on the Relationship between ADHD and Depressive Symptoms among First Year Medical Students: A Structural Equation Model Approach.

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with depression among college students, while perceived social support is also associated with depression, especially among young adults. This study aimed to examine to what extent perceived social support mediated the relationship between ADHD symptoms and depressive symptoms. Methods: In total, 124 first year medical students completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Screener (ASRS), the Patient Health questionnaire-9 and the revised Thai Multidimensional scale of perceived social support reflecting ADHD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and perceive social support, i.e., family members, friends and other significant people, respectively. Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the hypothesized mediation model. Results: ADHD symptoms exhibited a significant indirect effect on depressive symptoms via perceived social support. ADHD symptoms initially had a direct effect on depression; thereafter, it reduced to a non-significance effect after perceived social support was added. The total variance explained by this model was 35.2%. The mediation model with family support as a mediator showed the highest effect size. Conclusions: The study highlighted the importance of perceived social support, particularly family support, on depressive symptoms among young medical students experiencing ADHD symptoms. The model suggests promising relationships for further research on ADHD-related depression and potential treatment in the future.

Do Athletes Have More of a Cognitive Profile with ADHD Criteria than Non-Athletes?

The current study investigates the possibility that athletes have more parallel ADHD symptoms than non-athletes. High-level youth sport athletes were compared with non-athletes in leisure time (i.e., sport) and in the school in ADHD symptoms. Athletes and students were evaluated by a trained psychotherapist using Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) on activities at school and during activities in leisure/sports time. They also filled in the Autism Spectrum Questionnaire (AQ) as a self-report assessment. Results showed significant differences in ASRS-scores for athletes in school and in their sport, with high scores in school and low scores in sport. No differences were found in AQ between the groups. The findings indicate that many athletes might display a cognitive profile of parallel of ADHD criteria. Future research needs to further investigate potential benefits of the cognitive profile in athletes and how they handle different contexts including sport and school settings.

Preliminary Study of ADHD Biomarkers in Adults with Focus on Serum Iron and Transcranial Sonography of the Substantia Nigra.

As previous studies have reported abnormalities in the iron indices of peripheral blood and hyperechogenicity of the substantia nigra (SN) in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we aimed to examine the same in adults with ADHD using transcranial Doppler sonography (TCS). In addition, we compared the iron indices and TCS findings before and after methylphenidate (MPH) treatment. A total of 39 participants aged ≥19 years (13 patients and 26 healthy controls) were recruited from Kyung Hee University Hospital between October 2018 and September 2019. All subjects were clinically evaluated based on the ADHD diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, and the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA-5). Further, the iron indices including serum iron, ferritin, and mean platelet volume were determined. Additionally, TCS focused on the midbrain and echogenicity of the SN was conducted. Follow-up for all items was conducted for five ADHD patients after MPH treatment. Patients with ADHD had significantly lower education levels (number of years) than controls. There were no statistically significant differences in serum iron indices or the echogenic area between ADHD and control groups. Further, there were no significant changes in iron indices or TCS findings after MPH medication. Unlike previous studies, this study showed no differences between patients with ADHD and controls. Therefore, it is important to determine if these null findings were due to different target populations (children vs. adults) or other factors, including ADHD subtypes.

The child behavior checklist can aid in characterizing suspected comorbid psychopathology in clinically referred youth with ADHD

ObjectiveTo examine the utility of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to aid in the identification of comorbid psychopathological conditions affecting referred youth with suspected ADHD prior to the evaluation. The CBCL is an easy-to-use assessment tool that may provide invaluable information regarding the severity and characteristics of the presenting complaints. MethodsThe sample included 332 youths consecutively referred to an ADHD program for the assessment of suspected ADHD. Parents completed the CBCL, parent-rated ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Because of the established association between the CBCL Attention Problems scale and a structured diagnostic interview of ADHD, all youths analyzed had abnormal Attention Problems T-scores (≥60). ResultsSeventy-six percent of youths with elevated Attention Problems T-scores had ≥3 additional abnormal CBCL scales, suggesting they were likely affected with multiple comorbid psychopathological conditions. Moreover, 44% had ≥1 CBCL clinical scale with a T-score more severe than their Attention Problems T-score, suggesting the putative comorbid condition was more severe than the ADHD symptoms. Additional CBCL scale elevations were associated with more severe functional impairments as assessed by the ASRS, SRS, BRIEF, and CBCL competence scales. ConclusionThe CBCL obtained before the clinical assessment identified high rates of comorbid psychopathology in youths referred for the assessment of ADHD. It provided detailed information about the types and severity of suspected psychopathological conditions impacting a particular youth, which is critical to guide the assessing clinician on likely differing needs of the affected child.

Health-related quality of life in mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Taiwan: The roles of child, parent, and family characteristics

BackgroundNo study has examined how child and maternal psychopathological difficulties and family factors contribute to the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD). AimsTo investigate the impact of children’s diagnosis of ADHD, children’s and maternal psychopathology and significant sociodemographic variables of the children, parents and family on HRQOL of mothers of children with ADHD and those of children with typical development (TD) in Taiwan. Methods and proceduresChildren with ADHD (n = 257) and children with typical development (n = 324) and their mothers were recruited from a psychiatric clinic of a medical center and 10 elementary schools and four high schools in northern Taiwan. Maternal HRQOL was assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life – BREF, while the other factors were screened using the Chinese version of the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test for autistic traits, the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, version IV scale for ADHD symptoms, the Child Behavior Checklist for behavioral and emotional problems, The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for maternal depression and interpersonal problems, the Adult ADHD Self-report Scale for maternal ADHD symptoms, and the Family APGAR for family support. Outcomes and resultsMothers of children with ADHD had significantly worse HRQOL in all four domains compared with those of children with typical development. Multiple regressions found that factors consistently related to the HRQOL of mothers of children with ADHD and those of children with TD were maternal depression and perceived family support after controlling for several familial, parental and child variables. HRQOL of mothers of children with ADHD and those of children with TD was more closely related to her own and family factors rather than mother- or teacher-rated ADHD symptoms, clinical diagnosis of ADHD or psychopathology of the child. Conclusions and implicationsScreening for maternal HRQOL, depressive symptoms and family support systems and mental health services for mothers of children with ADHD are warranted based on these findings.

Prevalence of adhd in the adult population in the Czech Republic and frequency of medication

IntroductionAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder often diagnosed between the ages of 7 and 10. The estimated prevalence of ADHD in adults is usually 2-5%, which means that in up to half of people this diagnosis persists into adulthood.ObjectivesThe aim of this sub-study was to determine whether there are significant differences in ADHD symptomatology between individuals who have taken or are taking prescription drugs and those who have never taken them.MethodsData collection was performed by STEM / MARK in January 2019 through the European National Panel. Respondents completed a demographic questionnaire focusing on the history of ADHD and a standardized ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) questionnaire for the symptomatology of ADHD in adulthood.ResultsOf the 1,518 respondents, 3% reported being diagnosed with ADHD / hyperkinetic disorder during their lifetime. According to the ASRS assessment, 119 respondents were classified as suspected ADHD. Overall, men scored higher symptoms of ADHD. The results also show that the group that states that taking medication has a statistically significantly higher average score in ASRS than unmedicated individuals. 6 individuals are taking medication to this day.ConclusionsThe data collected confirm our main hypothesis that ADHD symptomatology has an impact on the daily functioning of individuals in adulthood. Unlike peers with reduced or no ADHD symptoms, these people are far more likely to have time management issues, need to plan their day carefully, and yet often experience problems such as late arrivals due to a lack of anticipation.Conflict of interestFinancial support was provided by grants : GA ČR – 18 -112 47 S, Progres Q06 1LF

Childhood risk factors for substance abuse in a clinical sample of adults with attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in an addiction outpatient clinic

IntroductionSubstance use disorder (SUD) in patients with ADHD symptoms is associated with a poorer treatment prognosis. The study is aimed to investigate psychosocial risks factors for developing SUD in patients with ADHD.ObjectivesTo examine the associations between self-reported weak academic performance, repetition of a grade, single – parent family, self-reported quality of parent – child relationship, conduct problems in childhood and SUD in adulthood in a sample of outpatients with ADHD symptoms of an addiction medicine clinic in Riga, Latvia.MethodsSelf-report surveys, containing Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v I.I), were completed by outpatients of addiction clinic, including healthy control subjects (adults without addiction, formally assessed for fitness to drive, firearms licensing etc.). Patients then were examined in relation to childhood risk factors.ResultsSurvey was compleated by 341 outpatients – 98 (28,7%) healthy controls and 243 (71,3%) patients with SUD (mean age, 36,8 and 37,7, respectively; 76,4% males). 62 (18,1%) patients were tested positive for ADHD, of whom 12 (19,4%) were healthy subjects and 50 (80,6%) were with SUD. Data shows connection between conduct problems in childhood (p=0,010), single - parent family (p=0,010), repetition of a grade (p=0,026) and SUD in adults with ADHD symptoms. Comparing patients with and without ADHD symptoms, there was found no significant association between these factors, except for conduct problems (p=0,015).ConclusionsThe study found preliminary evidence that adults with ADHD symptoms who experienced single – parenthood in childhood, had conduct problems or repeated a grade are more likely to develop SUD. Futher investigation is required.

Exploring the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and entrepreneurship.

Objective:To investigate the association between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and entrepreneurial profiles and the effects of entrepreneurial characteristics in individuals who screen positive for ADHD and self-identify as entrepreneurs.Methods:We sent 4,341 questionnaires by e-mail to applicants for a career development course for entrepreneurs. We used the propensity score covariate adjustment to balance differences between included and excluded individuals. ADHD symptoms were evaluated with the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. The Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation scale was used to assess the entrepreneurial profile of the participants. Impairment from ADHD symptoms was assessed with the Barkley Functional Impairment Scale.Results:Those who screened positive for ADHD had higher risk-taking scores (p-value = 0.016) and lower proactivity (p-value = 0.001) than those who screened negative. Higher inattention scores were related to lower proactivity (p-value < 0.001), while higher hyperactive symptom scores were related to a more generalized entrepreneurial profile (p-value = 0.033). Among ADHD-positive participants, entrepreneurial profile scores were not significantly associated with company profits or impairment.Conclusion:Inattention symptoms were related to less proactivity, whereas hyperactive symptoms were positively associated with a general entrepreneurial orientation. ADHD-positive individuals had a higher risk-taking profile, and these characteristics did not negatively impact their lives.

Substance-specific variability of ADHD symptoms in riga psychiatry and addiction medicine centre treatment-seeking substance use disorder outpatient population

IntroductionStudies show a link between attention deficit disorder (ADHD) and substance use disorders (SUD). Patients may abuse illicit drugs or alcohol as means of self-medicating e.g. stimulants for ADHD symptoms. Identifying ADHD symptoms in SUD patients could help improve treatment outcome and quality of life.ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of ADHD symptoms in Riga Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine Centre (RPNC) outpatients and study the link between ADHD symptoms and specific SUDs.MethodsIn a period of 30 days, all consentient clients of RPNC outpatient addiction clinic were surveyed for basic sociodemographic data and screened with Adult ADHD Self-report Scale (ASRSv1.1). Results were compared among patients with different types of addictions previously diagnosed using ICD-10 classification. Results were also compared to a control group.ResultsOut of 279 participants, 209 were treatment-seeking SUD patients, 70 controls. Mean age was 37.99, 77.8% were male. Among SUD patients 45,2% had alcohol UD(F10), 52.9% opiate UD(F11), 35.1% stimulant UD(F14;f15), 20.2% sedative UD(F13). Patients who had stimulant addiction as one of their diagnosis and patients with multiple addictions were significantly more likely (p=0.023 and p=0.012 respectively) to screen positive for ASRSv1.1 among SUD patients population. All types of SUDs were significantly more likely to screen positive for ASRSv1.1 when compared to a control group.ConclusionsThere is a strong link between SUD and ADHD symptoms. Patients with stimulant or multiple SUDs are more likely to screen positive for ADHD symptoms than other SUD patients. It is important to identify ADHD symptoms in treatment-seeking SUD patients.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Adults with adhd symptoms express a better inhibitory capacity when the perceptual load is higher

IntroductionADHD is associated with impairments in different inhibitory functions, including suppression of an already initiated response and inhibition of distracting information. This work used a protocol that combines the Stroop-matched and stop-signal tasks to examine the association between the frequency of ADHD symptoms and different inhibitory abilities in a young adult.ObjectivesTo investigate how the symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity / impulsivity are associated with three forms of inhibition evaluated by the Stroop-matched / stop-signal task: inhibiting an automatic response, controlling interference and canceling a response.Methods38 participants (33 women; mean age = 23.3; SD = 5.17) completed Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) assessing ADHD symptoms before performing the task. Reaction times, accuracy and stop-signal reaction time (SSRT; the latency of the inhibitory process of response cancellation) were calculated for each task condition.ResultsThere was a significant correlation of ADHD symptoms and SSRT in the condition with the higher perceptual load (i.e., a greater number of colors presented in the same test). This correlation was negative (r = - .36, p &lt;.05), which indicates that participants with higher ADHD symptoms frequency had more efficient inhibitory processes in this condition.Conclusions(1) the perceptual load of the task influences the cancellation of responses; (2) individuals with higher frequency of ADHD symptoms may have a better inhibitory capacity when the perceptual load is high, possibly reflecting a lower availability of attentional resources to process distracting information.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

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.