ADHD Linked to Higher Risks of Depression, Anorexia, and PTSD
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Augsburg in Germany has revealed that individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face an increased risk of suicide attempts, depression, anorexia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The findings, published in the prestigious British medical journal BMJ Mental Health, shed light on the serious mental health implications associated with ADHD.
The study found that individuals with ADHD are 30% more likely to attempt suicide and 9% more likely to suffer from depression. Furthermore, once depression sets in, the risk of suicide attempts increases by a staggering 42%. Although this correlation does not prove a causal relationship, the researchers suggest that common genetic factors and inherited impulsivity may play a role.
Professor Dennis Freuer, who specializes in Statistical Epidemiology at the University of Augsburg, explains, “ADHD and suicidal behavior share common genetic factors that may reflect genetic variations associated with inherited impulsivity.” He further emphasizes the significance of impulsivity, a characteristic of ADHD strongly linked to suicidal behavior. Professor Freuer states, “Our research shows that ADHD and major depressive disorder are risk factors for suicide attempts.”
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically manifests in childhood, characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Globally, the prevalence of ADHD in children and young people ranges from 3% to 8%, with approximately 70% of cases persisting into adulthood.
To investigate the association between ADHD and mental health disorders, the researchers employed a statistical technique known as a Mendelian randomization study. By analyzing genetically measured variables, this method helps assess the causal influence of a specific risk factor (ADHD in this case) on various outcomes. The study focused on seven mental health conditions: depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, anorexia nervosa, and suicide attempts.
Results from the study revealed a direct link between ADHD and depression, with individuals affected by ADHD having an 18% higher risk of developing PTSD compared to those without the disorder. Furthermore, individuals with both ADHD and depression were shown to have a 67% increased risk of developing PTSD.
Notably, the study also identified a significant association between ADHD and anorexia nervosa, with a roughly 28% higher risk of developing the eating disorder. Professor Freuer suggests that this heightened risk may be attributed entirely to ADHD since both disorders share a “neurocognitive deficit” centered around a lack of impulse control.
However, no causal link was found between ADHD and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia. According to Dr. James Greenblatt, an ADHD expert, the absence of a correlation with anxiety disorders is particularly intriguing, considering that up to two-thirds of children with ADHD experience comorbidity, and anxiety is the most common condition associated with ADHD. Further research is needed to explore this discrepancy.
Professor Freuer emphasizes the importance of early screening for signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, and anorexia in individuals diagnosed with ADHD, as the disorder typically presents in childhood. He stresses the need for healthcare providers to be proactive in their approach to treating ADHD and managing potential mental health complications.
The complete paper detailing the study’s findings can be accessed by following the link provided.
9% higher risk of depression, 28% higher risk of anorexia, 18% higher risk of PTSD
Enter 2023.09.07 20:35 Hits 0 Enter 2023.09.07 20:35 Edit 2023.09.07 19:26 Hits 0
People with ADHD are 30% more likely to attempt suicide. [사진= 게티이미지뱅크]A new study finds that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases the risk of suicide attempts and depression, anorexia and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). CNN reported on the 5th (local time) based on a thesis by researchers at the University of Augsburg, Germany, published in the British medical journal BMJ Mental Health.
According to this study, people with ADHD are 30% more likely to attempt suicide. They are 9% more likely to suffer from depression. Once depressed, they were 42% more likely to attempt suicide. This does not prove a causal relationship, but it does show a correlation.
One member of the research team, Professor Dennis Freuer (Statistical Epidemiology) from the University of Augsburg, said, “ADHD and suicidal behavior share common genetic factors that may reflect genetic variations associated with inherited impulsivity.” “Impulsivity is a key component of ADHD and is strongly associated with suicidal behavior,” he said in an email interview with CNN. “Our research shows that ADHD and major depressive disorder are risk factors for suicide attempts.”
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood and is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Globally, the prevalence of ADHD in children and young people is around 3-8%, and around 70% of these persist into adulthood.
The researchers analyzed the link between ADHD and seven mental health disorders by applying a statistical technique called a Mendelian randomization study. A Mendelian randomization study is a method that uses genetically measured variables to investigate the causal influence of a specific risk factor (ADHD in this study) on an outcome. Seven conditions were depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, anorexia nervosa (bulimia nervosa), and at least one suicide attempt.
The researchers found a direct link between ADHD and the development of depression. They also found that those with ADHD had an 18% higher risk of developing PTSD, and those with ADHD and depression increased their risk of PTSD by 67%.
In particular, the researchers found that it increased the risk of developing ADHD and anorexia by around 28%. “The increased risk of anorexia nervosa may be entirely due to ADHD,” says Professor Freyer. That’s because both disorders share a “neurocognitive deficit” that centers around a lack of impulse control, he explained.
However, they found no evidence of a causal link between ADHD and bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia. Dr said. James Greenblatt, an American ADHD expert, “The fact that up to two-thirds of children with ADHD have at least one other co-morbidity, anxiety being the most common, suggests that no link to anxiety disorders has been found. It’s unusual,” he noted.
“This study suggests that ADHD may have an impact on mental health conditions other than depression identified in observational studies and that healthcare providers should be more proactive in treating ADHD,” said Professor Freyer. He emphasized the need for clinicians to perform early screening for signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, and anorexia because ADHD is usually diagnosed in childhood.
The paper can be found at the following link.
#ADHD #threatens #mental #health.. #higher #risk #attempting #suicide
