Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms, comorbidities, substance use, and social outcomes among men and women in a canadian sample

Authors

Evelyn Vingilis, Western UniversityFollow
Patricia G. Erickson, University of Toronto
Maggie E. Toplak, LaMarsh Centre for Child and Youth Research
Nathan J. Kolla, University of Toronto
Robert E. Mann, University of Toronto
Jane Seeley, Western University
Mark Vandermaas, University of Toronto
Deanne S. Daigle, Western University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2015

Journal

BioMed Research International

Volume

2015

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1155/2015/982072

Abstract

Background. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can persist in adolescence and adulthood. Aim. To examine prevalence of ADHD symptoms and correlates in a representative sample of adults 18 years and older living in Ontario, Canada. Method. We used the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Monitor, an ongoing cross-sectional telephone survey, to examine the relationships between ADHD positive symptoms and comorbidities, substance use, medication use, social outcomes, and sociodemographics. Results. Of 4014 residents sampled in 2011-2012, 3.30% (2.75%-3.85%) screened positively for ADHD symptoms (women = 3.6%; men = 3.0%). For men, distress, antisocial symptoms, cocaine use, antianxiety medication use, antidepressant medication use, and criminal offence arrest were associated with positive ADHD screen. For women, distress, cocaine use, antianxiety medication use, antidepressant medication use, pain medication use, and motor vehicle collision in the past year were associated with positive ADHD screen. Conclusions. ADHD symptoms are associated with adverse medical and social outcomes that are in some cases gender specific.