The link between mental health and ADHD is strong—so why aren’t we paying attention?

Adults with high symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those with high autism traits, according to a new study led by psychologists at the University of Bath in the UK. high.

This study is the first to show that ADHD is more predictive of poor mental health in adults than other neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism.

To date, information on the impact of ADHD on mental health decline has been scarce, with far more research focusing on the impact of autism on depression, anxiety and quality of life. As a result, people with ADHD often clinical care They have to deal with their symptoms.

The study authors hope their findings will inspire new research on ADHD and ultimately improve mental health outcomes for people with ADHD. A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by sexuality and impulsivity.State is presumed to affect 3% to 9% of the population.

blue monday

Blue Monday (January 16) — the third Monday in January and described as the most depressing day of the year — said lead researcher Luka Hargitay, who said, “Autism is associated with anxiety and depression. Scientists have long known that ADHD is long gone.

“Researchers also struggle to statistically separate the importance of ADHD and autism. mental health outcomes Because they often occur together. ”

Hargitai, Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Bath, added: Features of autism.”

new research— group work A joint study between the Universities of Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and King’s College London was published in a prestigious journal this week. scientific reportIn the same month, two British TV personalities, Johnny Vegas and Superkins, opened up about their recent ADHD diagnoses.

“This condition affects many people, both children and adults, and the fact that more people are willing to talk about it should be welcomed.” We hope that research in the field will advance and bring us better resources to help individuals better manage their mental health.”

Overly active, as if driven by a motor

This study used a large nationally representative adult sample from the UK population. All participants completed a gold-standard questionnaire, one for autistic traits and one for ADHD traits, and were asked to answer questions such as “I am often obsessed with one thing” or ” How often do you feel like you are overly active and have to do something?” motor drive? ”

Researchers have found that ADHD traits are very useful in predicting the severity of anxiety and depression symptoms. The higher your level of ADHD traits, the more likely you are to experience severe mental health symptoms. Through innovative analytical techniques, the study authors further confirmed that anxiety and depression were more strongly associated with her ADHD personality traits than with autistic traits. .

These results were reproduced with 100% ‘recall’ in computerized simulations. This indicates with great confidence that ADHD traits are almost certainly associated with more severe anxiety and depressive symptoms in adults than autistic traits.

Shift the focus of research and clinical practice

Hargitai said: clinical practice We have to shift our focus from autism to ADHD. This may help identify those at highest risk for anxiety and depression. preventive measuresEarly adoption can have a greater impact on improving people’s health, such as helping children and adults manage ADHD symptoms. ”

according to Dr. Punit ShahSenior Author and Associate Professor of Psychology at Bath, Another important aspect of the new research is to advance the scientific understanding of neurodevelopmental conditions.

“By addressing the shortcomings of previous studies, our study provides new information on the often overlooked complex links between neurodiversity and mental health in adults.

“More research is needed to understand exactly why ADHD is associated with poor mental health, especially with respect to the mental processes that drive anxiety and depressive thoughts in people with ADHD characteristics.

“Currently, ADHD research, especially psychology research, is underfunded, especially when compared to the relatively high levels of funding directed toward autism.

“Now that we have evidence that ADHD is not just a childhood condition but a lifelong condition, research plans need to be adjusted to better understand ADHD in adulthood.”

Commenting on the new findings, Dr. Tony Floyd, CEO of the Neurodiversity Foundation’s ADHD Foundation, said: mental health Complications associated with ADHD in adults. This is the first step towards recognizing the far-reaching impact of unmanaged and untreated ADHD. We hope that this research will lead to more research being commissioned in this area. We also hope it will change the design and delivery of healthcare services.

“The cost implications for the NHS of leaving ADHD untreated, and the need to better train health workers in both primary and secondary care, are now becoming clearer. Of course, there are other costs that need to be considered as well: UK citizens with ADHD and their family life, employability and financial well-being.These costs are often hidden but substantial. .

“This study from the University of Bath adds to the growing national debate and the business case for a national review. health Services for lifelong ADHD. ”