In a recent study published in the open-access journal BMJ Mental Health, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been identified as a distinct risk factor for several common and serious mental health conditions. The study emphasises the importance of early vigilance among healthcare professionals to prevent the development of these disorders. ADHD has now been linked to significant risks of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anorexia nervosa, and suicide attempts.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that often persists from childhood into adulthood. Globally, it affects approximately 5% of children and teenagers and around 2.5% of adults. While previous observational studies have associated ADHD with mood and anxiety disorders, it has remained unclear whether ADHD is a causal factor for other mental health issues.
To investigate this further, researchers employed Mendelian randomisation, a technique that utilises genetic variants as indicators for specific risk factors, such as ADHD, to establish genetic evidence supporting certain outcomes. In this study, the outcomes of interest included major clinical depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, anorexia nervosa, and suicide attempts.
The researchers initially utilised this method to explore potential connections between ADHD and these seven mental health disorders. Subsequently, they examined whether disorders associated with ADHD could potentially be responsible for the observed effects in the initial analysis. Finally, they combined the data from both analyses to determine both the direct and indirect effects of ADHD.
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The results showed no evidence of a causal link between ADHD and bipolar disorder, anxiety, or schizophrenia. However, there was substantial evidence indicating a causal link between ADHD and an increased risk of anorexia nervosa (28% heightened risk) and major clinical depression (both caused and causing a 9% and 76% heightened risk, respectively). When accounting for the influence of major depression, a direct causal association with both suicide attempts (30% heightened risk) and PTSD (18% heightened risk) became apparent.
Nonetheless, the researchers conclude that their findings underscore the importance of clinicians taking a proactive approach when treating individuals with ADHD. They suggest that patients with ADHD should be regularly monitored for the psychiatric disorders investigated in this study, and preventive measures should be considered if necessary.