ADHD and Other Mental Health Diagnoses

Looking at a Comparative Psychiatry Study

January 17, 2024 | Dr. Joel L. Young

It's common for adults with ADHD to also have a co-occurring mental health diagnosis, according to a study published in Comparative Psychiatry. Rates of mental health disorders are significantly higher among adults with ADHD, insinuating that ADHD itself may be a predictor of other mental health challenges

ADHD and other comorbidities

For the study, researchers reviewed psychiatric profiles of a sample of adults seeking outpatient psychiatric care. Each of the 1,134 adult participants participated in a semi-structured diagnostic interview based on DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for various mental health disorders. The study's findings showed a significant connection between ADHD and other mental health disorders.

Patients who had ADHD were more likely to experience social anxiety, impulse control behaviors, borderline personality disorder, alcohol use disorder, and eating disorders. In contrast, they were less likely to experience adjustment disorders or major depressive disorders. Patients with ADD—the inattentive type of ADHD without a hyperactivity component—were more likely to have eating disorders and social phobia.

The connection between ADHD and mental illness

The study does not specify or explain why ADHD is a precursor of other mental health issues. However, a number of factors could be at play, and it is unlikely that just one explanation accounts for the full spectrum of mental health challenges associated with ADHD. Some possibilities include:

•Genetic influences that lead to ADHD are similar to those that lead to other mental health disorders.

•The challenges of life with ADHD. ADHD makes daily activities challenging, and environmental factors can contribute to a number of mental health issues. It's possible that ADHD triggers environmental changes that in turn trigger further mental health difficulties.

•ADHD symptoms could accompany some mental health diagnoses. For example, bipolar disorder can impede concentration and contribute to hyperactive behavior, mimicking the symptoms of ADHD.

The challenges of diagnosing adult ADHD

Many clinicians still treat ADHD as a childhood disorder. Some even tell parents that their children will grow out of their behaviors. For this reason, adults with ADHD—particularly those for whom symptoms only appeared in adulthood—may experience delays in diagnosis and care. They may be incorrectly diagnosed with other disorders, such as impulse control issues, depression, or personality disorders. This study makes it clear not only that ADHD can and does exist into adulthood, but that adulthood ADHD is a significant predictor of other mental disorders.

Common symptoms of adult ADHD

Knowing the symptoms of adult ADHD can help you get an accurate diagnosis. Clinicians sometimes focus on behavior in school when diagnosing children, so detecting hyperactivity and inattention in adults may prove challenging. Some signs to look out for include:

• An intense need for stimulation; you might find boredom intolerable.

• Chronic procrastination, even when you commit to completing something on time.

•Difficulty remembering dates, deadlines, and where you placed familiar objects. Chronic forgetfulness and missed deadlines are a hallmark of ADD and ADHD.

•Impulsive or aggressive behavior, particularly during times of stress.

•Substance abuse; while not always a symptom of ADHD, some people with ADHD turn to drugs and alcohol to manage their symptoms.

•Depression, anxiety, and other symptoms as a result of problems at work or in relationships.

•Difficulty listening to other people or following a conversation.

•Frequently fidgeting or interrupting others during conversations.

If you suspect you have adult ADHD, talk to your doctor about your symptoms, since simply mentioning ADHD can increase the odds of an accurate diagnosis. Lifestyle changes, therapy, and stimulant medications can all help symptoms, and a combination of all three typically works best.

References:

ADHD co-morbidities revealed in adult patients. (2016, June 29). Retrieved from clinicalpsychiatrynews
Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (2016, March 31). Retrieved from mayoclinic