Up to 90% of Adults with ADHD Have Co-occurring Conditions, Says Leading GP
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Up to 90% of adults diagnosed with ADHD also have co-occurring conditions like sleep difficulties or anxiety, according to a leading GP.
- The rise in ADHD diagnoses is partly attributed to better identification of underdiagnosed groups, including women and quieter males.
- Co-morbidities may stem from years of undiagnosed ADHD, leading to significant mental health impacts such as increased risk of suicide and self-harm.
A leading general practitioner has highlighted the significant prevalence of co-occurring conditions among adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), stating that between 80 and 90 percent also experience issues such as sleep disturbances or anxiety. Dr. Aoife O’Sullivan, clinical lead for mental health at the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP), emphasized that ADHD rarely exists in isolation.
The most common ones – so common you’d nearly consider them part of the diagnosis – are sleep issues. They have difficulty getting to sleep. Cognition insomnia – you’re exhausted but you’re brain keeps going.
Dr. O’Sullivan suggested that these co-morbidities are often a consequence of individuals living with undiagnosed ADHD for many years, lacking the necessary treatment and support. Sleep problems, described as 'cognition insomnia' where one is exhausted but the brain remains active, are particularly common. Anxiety, whether a diagnosed disorder or a general feeling of being anxious, is also frequently reported, often stemming from the immense effort required to navigate daily life.
Anxiety on some level. It mightn’t be a diagnosed anxiety disorder, but a lot of people talk about being an anxious person. It’s years and years of working really hard to do normal things, and anxiety is just a natural reaction to that.
The statistics presented are stark: ADHD Ireland reports that 20% of adults with ADHD have attempted suicide, and 50% have engaged in self-harm. Dr. O’Sullivan attributes these figures to the profound impact of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, which are exacerbated by the prolonged period of living undiagnosed. Conditions like rejection sensitivity dysphoria, characterized by difficulties with trust and heightened sensitivity to criticism, also contribute to the complex picture.
That’s really stark. It shows the levels of mood disorder whether anxiety or depression and the real impact that has.
Speaking at the ICGP conference in south Dublin, Dr. O’Sullivan’s insights shed light on the multifaceted challenges faced by adults with ADHD. From an Irish perspective, this information is crucial for healthcare providers and the public alike. It underscores the need for greater awareness, earlier diagnosis, and comprehensive support systems that address not only the core ADHD symptoms but also the associated mental health conditions. The data also highlights the critical importance of mental health services and the long-term consequences of delayed diagnosis, emphasizing that addressing ADHD comprehensively can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the risk of severe mental health outcomes.
A lot of our adults with ADHD are late diagnosis; they’ve lived varying amount of years undiagnosed. I think that’s partially why there are so many co-morbidities in a way.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Irish Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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