ADHD could increase risk of serious mental health issues, finds study
ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour, has long been known to disrupt daily functioning. A new study sheds light on the impact it can have on mental health.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is associated with a higher incidence of depression, anorexia or post-traumatic stress disorder and the risk of suicide attempts, a new study found. (Photo: Getty)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 7, 2023 14:48 IST
Researchers have found a connection between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a higher risk of depression, anorexia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and even suicide attempts.
ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour, has long been known to disrupt daily functioning. However, this new research sheds light on the impact it can have on mental health.
According to the study, individuals with ADHD are 30 per cent more likely to attempt suicide and 9 per cent more likely to experience major depression.
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The findings suggest that ADHD and major depressive disorder are risk factors for suicide attempts, possibly due to shared genetic factors associated with impulsivity.
Once depression develops in individuals with ADHD, the likelihood of them attempting suicide jumps to a staggering 42 per cent.
Furthermore, living with ADHD also increases the chance of developing PTSD after a traumatic event by 18 per cent. This risk rises to 67 per cent for those with both ADHD and depression.
The study also revealed a direct link between ADHD and anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder driven by a distorted body image and an intense fear of weight gain.
Individuals with ADHD are more prone to resorting to extreme measures, such as vomiting or misusing laxatives, to maintain a low body weight.
The association between ADHD and anorexia can be attributed to shared "neurocognitive deficits" related to impulse control.
Impulsivity is a prominent symptom of ADHD and is believed to stem from abnormalities in the brain's reward and impulse inhibition pathways. These deficits may explain the heightened risk of developing anorexia in individuals with ADHD.
Although these findings were not entirely surprising, as ADHD often coexists with other mental health conditions, they highlight the importance of personalised treatment and early screenings.
It is crucial for clinicians to be aware of the potential for depression, suicidal thoughts, or anorexia in individuals with ADHD, allowing for timely intervention and support.
By using a statistical method called Mendelian randomisation, which examines how genetic variation influences health outcomes, this study provides insights into the complex relationship between ADHD and mental health conditions.
While a causal link between ADHD and major depressive disorder, PTSD, and suicide attempts was established, no such connection was found for bipolar disorder, anxiety, or schizophrenia.