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Gender differences of axis I and II comorbidity in subjects diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder as adults

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 June 2013

Dan Edvinsson ,
Eva Lindström ,
Kerstin Bingefors ,
Tommy Lewander  and
Lisa Ekselius
Dan Edvinsson*
Affiliation:
Department of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
Eva Lindström
Affiliation:
Department of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
Kerstin Bingefors
Affiliation:
Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
Tommy Lewander
Affiliation:
Department of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
Lisa Ekselius
Affiliation:
Department of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
*
Dan Edvinsson, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Entrance 16, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden. Tel: +46-18-6115231; Fax: +46-18-510656; E-mail: dan.edvinsson@neuro.uu.se
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Abstract

Objective

To investigate gender differences in psychiatric comorbidity patients diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as adults.

Methods

Interviews about current ADHD symptoms and psychiatric comorbidity on axis I and II (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV axis I and axis II) were conducted in a clinical cohort of 168 patients (78 women, 90 men). Independent information on childhood and current symptoms was collected from parents, partners and patient files.

Results

The lifetime prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity on axis I reached 92%, and current comorbidity, including autism spectrum disorders and Tourette's syndrome, was 47%. Women had a higher lifetime prevalence of mood and eating disorders compared with men, where substance-use disorders were more frequent. Ten per cent of patients fulfilled diagnostic criteria for a personality disorder. When excluding the general diagnostic criteria, 46% of the patients endorsed the specific criteria for at least one personality disorder. Gender differences were identified with predominance of histrionic personality traits in women and conduct disorder in men.

Conclusion

Patients diagnosed with ADHD as adults display an extremely high lifetime axis I comorbidity with a gender-specific pattern similar to the general population. No gender differences were identified with regard to personality disorders; however, an increased prevalence of deviant personality traits was confirmed. This study stresses the importance of evaluating comorbidity among patients diagnosed with ADHD as adults to secure optimal treatment.

Keywords

ADHDadultscomorbiditygender
Type
Original Articles
Information
Acta Neuropsychiatrica , Volume 25 , Issue 3 , June 2013 , pp. 165 - 174
Copyright
Copyright © Scandinavian College of Neuropsychopharmacology 2013 

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