Estimating the prevalence of adult ADHD in the psychiatric clinic: a cross-sectional study using the adult ADHD self-report scale (ASRS)

Abstract

AbstractObjectives: We sought to determine the point prevalence of adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in an out-patient psychiatric population.Methods: Patients (n=243) attending five different outpatient clinics in a largely urban adult psychiatric service completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, a recently developed instrument by the World Health Organisation. Clinical and demographic data were recorded.Results: There was a high apparent rate of adult ADHD detected (23.9%). Such patients were significantly more likely to have lower educational attainment, ADHD as children, a forensic history and the diagnosis of personality disorder as well as a higher rate of benzodiazepine use. They were no more likely to be dissatisfied with the service, nor to be heavier users of the service.Conclusions: We report a high apparent rate of adult ADHD. Correlates of this high rate indicate individuals with less positive lifestyles than other patients. Screening for this disorder appears warranted, particularly in the light of the emergence of new non-amphetamine-based therapies.