Symptomatic Distress, Functional Impairment and Occupational Outcome in Adult ADHD

Abstract

ADHD in adults is associated with functional impairment and low participation in work life. Through three studies we investigated associations between treatment and symptoms and functional impairment. The aim of the project was to examine whether symptoms and functional impairment would predict the degree of work life or study participation.

A total of 149 adults who had received an ADHD diagnosis at the psychiatric hospitals in Nord-Trøndelag county between 1997 -2009 participated in the project. The project had a cross-sectional design and we used statistical methods suited for analyses of relationships between the variables.

We found very low levels of education and low participation in work or studies in the sample. Almost half of the sample reported that they had not been in work or studies during the past twelve months. The results showed that higher ADHD inattentiveness and later age of central stimulant treatment were associated with lower level of employment.

Our results indicate that early treatment and specific attention to ADHD inattentiveness is important to adults with work-related difficulties. Symptoms of inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity seem to be differentially related to specific functional aspects being important to participation in work or studies.

The studies were published in Journal of Attention Disorders.