Authors:	Müller, Marcus Turner, Daniel Barra, Steffen Rösler, Michael Retz, Wolfgang
Title:	ADHD and associated psychopathology in older adults in a German community sample
Online publication date:	18-Apr-2023
Year of first publication:	2023
Language:	english
Abstract:	Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is still a neglected disorder in older adults. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and symptomatology of ADHD and associated psychopathology in adults aged 40–80 years in a German community sample. We examined 539 participants in two age groups: (1) 40–59 years old (n = 256) and (2) 60–80 years old (n = 283). To assess ADHD in both childhood and adulthood as well as current psychopathological impairments, we used self-report instruments and corresponding observer reports. We examined group differences between age groups and between ADHD and non-ADHD groups. The prevalence of ADHD in the total sample was 2.6% with no significant differences between the two age groups (40–59 years: 3.1% vs. 60–80 years: 2.1%). Although differences emerged in impulsivity/emotional lability and self-concept problems, overall ADHD symptom ratings did not differ between the age groups. The ADHD group showed more psychopathological peculiarities compared to individuals without ADHD with medium-to-large effect sizes. Self-reports and observer reports showed good concordance in the assessment of ADHD and comorbid psychopathological symptoms. Regarding current ADHD symptomatology, in 92.1%, self-report was corroborated by observer's information. Our findings underline that ADHD symptoms are relevant across the lifespan. Augmenting self-reports with observer reports could increase the assessment quality of ADHD. For successful treatment, clinicians should also focus on additional psychopathological impairments and comorbidities in older adults with ADHD.
DDC:	150 Psychologie 150 Psychology 610 Medizin 610 Medical sciences
Institution:	Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Department:	FB 04 Medizin
Place:	Mainz
ROR:	https://ror.org/023b0x485
DOI:	http://doi.org/10.25358/openscience-8994
Version:	Published version
Publication type:	Zeitschriftenaufsatz
License:	CC BY
Information on rights of use:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Journal:	Journal of neural transmission 130
Pages or article number:	313 323
Publisher:	Springer
Publisher place:	Wien u.a.
Issue date:	2023
ISSN:	1435-1463
Publisher DOI:	10.1007/s00702-022-02584-4
Appears in collections:	DFG-491381577-H