Impairments, diagnosis and treatments associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in UK adults: results from the lifetime impairment survey

M Pitts; L Mangle; P Asherson

doi:10.1016/j.apnu.2014.10.001

Impairments, diagnosis and treatments associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in UK adults: results from the lifetime impairment survey

Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2015 Feb;29(1):56-63. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2014.10.001. Epub 2014 Oct 31.

Authors

M Pitts¹, L Mangle², P Asherson³

Affiliations

¹ Adult ADHD Service, Maudsley Hospital, London, UK. Electronic address: Mark.Pitts@slam.nhs.uk.
² Shire, Basingstoke, UK. Electronic address: lmangle@shire.com.
³ MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK. Electronic address: philip.asherson@kcl.ac.uk.

PMID: 25634876
DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2014.10.001

Abstract

Aim: The Lifetime Impairment Survey assessed how ADHD impairs everyday life, identifying areas most affected.

Methods: This opinion-based survey evaluated experiences, diagnosis and treatment of lifetime impairment in adults with (n=89) and without (n=94) ADHD. Groups were compared using impairment and symptoms scales; higher scores indicate greater impairment.

Results: Mean (standard deviation) age at diagnosis was 18.2 (11.5) years; 47.1% were taking prescription medication for ADHD. Adults with ADHD reported greater impairments than those without for all scales (p<0.001) except the involvement scale.

Conclusion: Greater impairments in adults with than without ADHD suggest a continued impact throughout their daily lives.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Activities of Daily Living / psychology*
Adult
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / diagnosis*
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / therapy
Case-Control Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Psychology
Severity of Illness Index
United Kingdom / epidemiology