ADHD and Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Hand in Hand?

1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 39 with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has generalized anxiety disorder (TAG) and people with ADHD are 4 times more likely to have GAD at some point in their life, compared to those without ADHD.

Other relevant factors, such as socio-demographic data, negative childhood experiences and life history of substance use disorders and major depressive disorders were monitored; people with ADHD were still more than twice as likely to have GAD.

“These results underscore the extent to which vulnerable adults ADHD are generalized anxiety disorders. There are many studies linking ADHD in adults with depression and suicidal tendencies, but less attention has been paid to generalized activity disturbances and other adverse effects throughout life ”, said lead author Esme Fuller-Thomson. Fuller-Thomson is Professor in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto and Director of the Institute for Life Course & Aging.

Investigators examined a nationally representative sample of 6,898 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health respondents aged 20 to 39 years. Of those surveyed, 272 had ADHD and 682 had GAD. They found that surveyed women with ADHD had an almost 5-fold higher risk of GAD, even after controlling for other covariates.

“ADHD has been severely underdiagnosed and undertreated in girls and women,” said co-author Andie MacNeil, master’s degree in social work from the University of Toronto. “These results suggest that women with ADHD may also be more likely to experience anxiety, underscoring the need for greater support for women with ADHD.”

In addition, adults who have had adverse childhood experiences such as childhood sexual or physical abuse or domestic violence were 3 times more likely to have GAD, and 60% of people with ADHD who suffered from anxiety disorders had at least one of these adverse experiences during childhood.

Having an income below $ 40,000, having less close relationships, and having a lifetime history of major depressive disorder were among the other factors associated with GAD in adults with ADHD. The odds of GAD for people with ADHD were 6 times higher if they had a history of major depressive disorder during their lifetime.

“These findings underscore the importance of screening for mental illness and treating depressive symptoms when supporting people with ADHD,” said Lauren Carrique, a recent graduate of the University of Toronto’s MSW program and social worker at the University of Toronto. Toronto General Hospital. “People with ADHD, GAD and depression are a particularly vulnerable subgroup that may require targeted awareness from healthcare professionals. “

The references

1. Fuller-Thomson E, Carrique L, MacNeil A. Generalized anxiety disorder in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. J Affect Disorder. 2021; S0165-0327 (21) 01096-X.

2. University of Toronto. Adults with ADHD are four times more likely to have generalized anxiety disorder. Press release. November 18, 2021. Accessed December 13, 2021. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/935302