Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background: Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder, with prevalence rates in India ranging from 5.48% to 25.7% and globally from 2.5% to 6.7%. This study aims to understand by analyzing groups with high and low symptoms of depression and anxiety among adults with ADHD. Methods: A sample of 39 clinical participants from Neuro Centre Bangalore, who were referred by the neurology/neuropsychiatry units. They were aged 18 to 40 years (23.57±7.53). Participants diagnosed with ADHD and exhibiting symptoms of depression and anxiety were included. The Copeland Symptom Checklist for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder, the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were used to collect the data. The mean, SD, correlation and one way ANOVA were used to analyse the data. Results: Inattention, impulsivity, activity level, noncompliance, and emotional difficulties were associated with anxiety, whereas impulsivity, noncompliance, and family relations were linked to depression. Participants in the high-anxiety group showed greater difficulties in these dimensions compared to the low-anxiety group. Similarly, the high-depression group exhibited more pronounced issues in these dimensions compared to the low-depression group. Conclusion: The research emphasizes important links between ADHD symptom dimensions and co-occurring anxiety and depression. Higher levels of anxiety and depression were associated with greater impairment in impulsivity, noncompliance, emotional regulation, and family relations. Overall, the findings suggest the need for assessments and treatment that are integrated for ADHD and comorbid emotional difficulties with adults.