Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder that affects around 5 per cent of children worldwide....CONTINUE READING THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
The disorder causes a significant impairment in functioning across various settings. In India, the prevalence of ADHD ranges from 1.6 to 14 per cent in various studies.
In a recent study, researchers have found that ADHD is the sole risk factor for various serious mental health problems like serious depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anorexia, and suicidal behaviour. The researchers of the University of Augsburg have conducted the study.
According to the researchers, people who are diagnosed with ADHD should be aware of their increased risk factors to help reduce mental health development later on.
ADHD is quite common in the United States, over six million children have been diagnosed with the condition. The disorder is mainly characterised by an inability to concentrate or focus, high energy and impulsivity.
How are other mental issues related to ADHD?
In the past, ADHD has been linked to several mood and anxiety disorders in various studies but it has never been clear if it has a causal association or is it serious.
To find this out, the researchers used a technique called Mendelian randomisation, in which they use genetic variants as proxies for a specific risk factor to collect genetic proof supporting specific results on the seven most common mental health issues. They are:
Depression
Bipolar disorder
Anxiety disorder
Schizophrenia
PTSD
Anorexia nervosa
People making at least one suicide attempt
The study further identified new insights into psychiatric disorders, therefore in clinical trials the patients with ADHD should be properly monitored for the psychiatric disorders included in this study and preventive measures should be initiated if needed.
However, there is no such evidence for a causal link between ADHD and bipolar, anxiety or schizophrenia but there was proof for a causal link with a heightened risk of anorexia nervosa 28 per cent, and evidence that ADHD both caused a 9 per cent higher risk and was caused by 76 per cent higher risk, major depression…CONTINUE READING>>
