Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been found to be a risk factor for other mental health problems, including major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), eating disorders, and suicide attempts. This is stated in a study by German scientists from the University of Augsburg: published In the scientific journal BMJ Mental Health.
ADHD is usually diagnosed in children and adolescents, but in more than half of the cases the syndrome stays with them for life. The worldwide prevalence of ADHD is approximately 5% in children and 2.5% in adults.
Researchers investigated the association of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with other mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, and suicide attempt.
Results showed that people with ADHD were 76% more likely to be clinically depressed, had a 30% higher risk of suicide, were 28% more likely to experience anorexia nervosa, and were 18% more likely to develop PTSD. Those who do not have attention and hyperactivity problems.
It was also found that ADHD was not associated with bipolar disorder, anxiety and schizophrenia.
The researchers noted that their study should encourage doctors to actively treat people for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Formerly doctors made ADHD is on the list of diseases that can force a person to be late frequently.