Occupational outcome in adult ADHD: impact of symptom profile, comorbid psychiatric problems, and treatment: a cross-sectional study of 414 clinically diagnosed adult ADHD patients.

• OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of symptom profile, comorbid psychiatric problems, and treatment on occupational outcome in adult ADHD patients. METHOD: Adult ADHD patients (N = 414) responded to questionnaires rating past and present symptoms of ADHD, comorbid conditions, treatment history, and work status. RESULTS: Of the patients, 24% reported being in work, compared to 79% in a population-based control group (N = 359). Combined subtype of ADHD, substance abuse, and a reported history of depression or anxiety were correlated with being out of work. Current and past medical treatment of ADHD was correlated with being in work. Logistic regression analyses showed that stimulant therapy during childhood was the strongest predictor for being in work as adults (odds ratio = 3.2, p = .014). CONCLUSION: Early recognition and treatment of ADHD is a strong predictor of being in work as an adult, independently of comorbidity, substance abuse, and current treatment.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adolescent

Adult

Alcoholism

Epidemiology

Psychology

Rehabilitation

Anxiety Disorders

Epidemiology

Psychology

Rehabilitation

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

Diagnosis

Epidemiology

Psychology

Rehabilitation

Central Nervous System Stimulants

Therapeutic use

Child

Comorbidity

Cross-Sectional Studies

Depressive Disorder

Epidemiology

Psychology

Rehabilitation

Female

Humans

Male

Mental Disorders

Diagnosis

Epidemiology

Psychology

Rehabilitation

Middle Aged

Norway

Rehabilitation

Vocational

Substance-Related Disorders

Epidemiology

Psychology

Rehabilitation

Treatment Outcome

Unemployment

Psychology

Statistics & numerical data

Young Adult

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)