Screening for Adult Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Korean Community Sample: Prevalence and Association with Mood and Sleep Symptoms

Abstract

Objective: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms start in early childhood and continue into adulthood, and are frequently associated with comorbid symptoms of depression, bipolar, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness. The aim of this study was to screen adult ADHD symptoms in a community sample and investigate the association of adult ADHD symptoms with mood and sleep symptoms. Methods: Respondents (n =1500) from the general adult population, aged between 19 and 49 years, were recruited. The sample consisted of a population in Busan, Korea that was representative in terms of sex, age, and residential area. ADHD symptoms and mood/ sleep symptoms were assessed using validated questionnaires with cut-off threshold. Results: The screening for adult ADHD documented ADHD symptoms in 3% (45 out of 1500) of the participants.The ADHD screen-positive group was more likely to have depression symptoms (OR = 14.97, 95% CI: 7.94-28.25, P < .001) and daytime sleepiness symptoms (OR = 3.18, 95% CI: 1.55-6.52, P < .001). Conclusion: Present result indicates high prevalence of adult ADHD symptoms in a community sample in Korea. The findings of this study also suggest significant association between adult ADHD symptoms and depression symptoms and daytime sleepiness. Optimal management of adult ADHD requires the consideration of not only ADHD symptoms but also the assessment and treatment of symptoms associated with comorbid conditions.