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Mood Disorders Associated With Significant ADHD Risk
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is 3 times more common in people with mood disorders compared to people without mood disorders, according to findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica.
“ADHD in mood disorders is associated with unfavorable outcomes, including more frequent mood episodes, and increased risk of suicide,” wrote researchers from Dalhousie University in Canada in the study introduction. “The reported prevalence of ADHD in individuals with mood disorders varies widely.”
Researchers reviewed previously published studies for original data on ADHD in patients with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder to better ascertain prevalence.
Meta-analysis subsequently identified a 73% prevalence of ADHD in bipolar disorder in childhood, a 43% prevalence of ADHD in bipolar disorder in adolescence, and a 17% prevalence of ADHD in bipolar disorder in adulthood. The findings stemmed from 92 studies involving 17,089 people.
Related: Adult ADHD Increases Risk for a Wide Range of Physical Conditions
Meanwhile, data from 52 studies of 16,897 people identified a 28% prevalence of ADHD in major depressive disorder in childhood, a 17% prevalence of ADHD in major depressive disorder in adolescence, and a 7% prevalence of ADHD in major depressive disorder in adulthood, researchers reported.
ADHD was 1.7 times more common in patients with bipolar disorder compared with major depressive disorder.
“People with mood disorders are at a significant risk for ADHD. ADHD should be assessed and treated in individuals with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder,” researchers advised. “Comprehensive assessment strategies are needed to address challenges of diagnosing ADHD alongside mood disorders.”
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