scholarly journals Genetic and environmental contribution to the overlap between ADHD and ASD trait dimensions in young adults: a twin study

2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 1713-1721 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Ghirardi ◽  
Erik Pettersson ◽  
Mark J. Taylor ◽  
Christine M. Freitag ◽  
Barbara Franke ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundTraits of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are strongly associated in children and adolescents, largely due to genetic factors. Less is known about the phenotypic and aetiological overlap between ADHD and ASD traits in adults.MethodsWe studied 6866 individuals aged 20–28 years from the Swedish Study of Young Adult Twins. Inattention (IA) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (HI) were assessed using the WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale-V1.1. Repetitive and restricted behaviours (RRB) and social interaction and communication (SIC) were assessed using the Autism-Tics, ADHD, and other Comorbidities inventory. We used structural equation modelling to decompose covariance between these ADHD and ASD trait dimensions into genetic and shared/non-shared environmental components.ResultsAt the phenotypic level, IA was similarly correlated with RRB (r = 0.33; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.31–0.36) and with SIC (r = 0.32; 95% CI 0.29–0.34), whereas HI was more strongly associated with RRB (r = 0.38; 95% CI 0.35–0.40) than with SIC (r = 0.24; 95% CI 0.21–0.26). Genetic and non-shared environmental effects accounted for similar proportions of the phenotypic correlations, whereas shared environmental effects were of minimal importance. The highest genetic correlation was between HI and RRB (r = 0.56; 95% 0.46–0.65), and the lowest was between HI and SIC (r = 0.33; 95% CI 0.23–0.43).ConclusionsWe found evidence for dimension-specific phenotypic and aetiological overlap between ADHD and ASD traits in adults. Future studies investigating mechanisms underlying comorbidity between ADHD and ASD may benefit from exploring several symptom-dimensions, rather than considering only broad diagnostic categories.

Assessment ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 107319112090589
Author(s):  
Rapson Gomez ◽  
Vasileios Stavropoulos

This study examined the structure of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms in an adult community sample using first-order confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), and bifactor confirmatory factor analysis and ESEM models, with two group factors (inattention [IA] and hyperactivity/impulsivity [HY/IM]) and two different three group factors (IA, hyperactivity [HY], and impulsivity [IM]; and IA, motoric HY/IM, and verbal HY/IM). A total of 738 adults (males = 374 and females = 364) between 17 and 72 years of age completed the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. The results provided most support for the ESEM model with group factors for IA, motoric HY/IM, and verbal HY/IM. The factors in this model were reasonably well defined, had good internal consistency omega reliabilities, and had support for their external validities, thereby making it a suitable model for ratings of the ADHD symptoms presented in the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale. The theoretical and clinical implications of the findings are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas Samuel ◽  
John D. Ranseen

Previous studies have indicated a consistent profile of basic personality traits correlated with adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (e.g., Ranseen, Campbell, & Baer, 1998; Nigg et al., 2002). In particular, research has found that low scores of the Conscientiousness trait and high scores on Neuroticism have been correlated with ADHD symptomatology. However, to date there is limited information concerning the range of effect resulting from medication treatment for adult ADHD. During an 18 month period, 60 adults were diagnosed with ADHD based on strict, DSM-IV criteria at an outpatient clinic. This evaluation included a battery of neuropsychological tests and a measure of general personality (i.e., the NEO PI-R). Eleven of these participants returned to complete the battery a second time. The pre-post comparisons revealed significant changes following sustained stimulant treatment on both the neuropsychological and self-report measures. These individuals also displayed significant changes on two domains of the NEO PI-R. They showed a significant decrease on the domain of Neuroticism, indicating that now see themselves as less prone to experience negative emotional states such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, they also reported a significant increase on their scores on the domain of conscientiousness. This increase suggests that they see themselves as more organized and dependable.


2020 ◽  
pp. 108705472093081
Author(s):  
Lida Zamani ◽  
Zahra Shahrivar ◽  
Javad Alaghband-Rad ◽  
Vandad Sharifi ◽  
Elham Davoodi ◽  
...  

Objectives: This study evaluated the psychometrics of the Farsi translation of diagnostic interview for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults (DIVA-5) based on DSM-5 criteria. Methods: Referrals to a psychiatric outpatient clinic ( N = 120, 61.7% males, mean age 34.35 ± 9.84 years) presenting for an adult ADHD (AADHD) diagnosis, were evaluated using the structured clinical interviews for DSM-5 (SCID-5 & SCID-5-PD) and the DIVA-5. The participants completed Conner’s Adult ADHD Rating Scale-Self Report-Screening Version (CAARS-S-SV). Results: According to the SCID-5 and DIVA-5 diagnoses, 55% and 38% of the participants had ADHD, respectively. Diagnostic agreement was 81.66% between DIVA-5/SCID-5 diagnoses, 80% between SCID-5/CAARS-S-SV, and 71.66% between DIVA-5/CAARS-S-SV. Test–retest and inter-rater reliability results for the DIVA-5 were good to excellent. Conclusion: Findings support the validity and reliability of the Farsi translation of DIVA-5 among the Farsi-speaking adult outpatient population.


2016 ◽  
Vol 209 (3) ◽  
pp. 202-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone de Jong ◽  
Stephen J. Newhouse ◽  
Hamel Patel ◽  
Sanghyuck Lee ◽  
David Dempster ◽  
...  

BackgroundRecent studies point to overlap between neuropsychiatric disorders in symptomatology and genetic aetiology.AimsTo systematically investigate genomics overlap between childhood and adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodAnalysis of whole-genome blood gene expression and genetic risk scores of 318 individuals. Participants included individuals affected with adult ADHD (n = 93), childhood ADHD (n = 17), MDD (n = 63), ASD (n = 51), childhood dual diagnosis of ADHD–ASD (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 78).ResultsWeighted gene co-expression analysis results reveal disorder-specific signatures for childhood ADHD and MDD, and also highlight two immune-related gene co-expression modules correlating inversely with MDD and adult ADHD disease status. We find no significant relationship between polygenic risk scores and gene expression signatures.ConclusionsOur results reveal disorder overlap and specificity at the genetic and gene expression level. They suggest new pathways contributing to distinct pathophysiology in psychiatric disorders and shed light on potential shared genomic risk factors.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S396-S397
Author(s):  
B. Tuzun Mutluer ◽  
T.G. Yener Orum ◽  
S. Sertcelik

ObjectiveIn this study, it was aimed to determine the internet use properties of Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) patients who were followed-up at Haydarpasa Numune Research and Training Hospital, Psychiatry Department; ADHD Outpatient Clinic.MethodThirty participants who were diagnosed with adult ADHD aged between 18–31 years rated their ADHD symptoms in childhood retrospectively, using Wender Utah Rating Scale. Patients rated current adult ADHD symptoms with the Adult ADHD DSM-IV-Based Diagnostic Screening and Rating Scale (DSRS) and severity of symptoms measured by Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Internet addiction (IA) was assessed with Young's Internet Addiction Scale (IAS). It was determined that, none of 30 Adult ADHD patients have been diagnosed with IA.29 of patient have moderate internet use although 1 of patients have risky internet use. The results revealed that total ASRS score (P = 0.020), total Adult ADHD DSM-IV-Based DSRS score (P = 0.036) and the Attention Deficit related properties subscale total score (P = 0.042) were significantly correlated with the IAS total score. Subscale of the self-report scales including; failing to finish schoolworks, chores, or duties at workplace, difficulty of following through on instructions (P = 0.017), restiveness; impaired inhibitory performance (P = 0.017), feeling not confident (P = 0.017), difficulty of managing time (P = 0.047), failing to give close attention to details or making careless mistakes (P = 0.037) are closely relevant to IAS total score.ResultIn conclusion, clinical features, which are characteristic of Adult ADHD could have same shared etiology with IA. Furthermore, ADHD patients are more likely to have an IA diagnosis. However, it was thought that this result had to be supported with studies including larger samples.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 238
Author(s):  
Shaimaa Ezzat Basha ◽  
Futiem Nasha Alsubie

The present paper aims at determining the contribution of the Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) and self-esteem to predicting Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among female university students in Saudi Arabia. It examines the differences in the research variables according to academic achievement. It also identifies the correlations of these variables. The authors applied the research instruments, i.e., the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1), Adult Concentration Inventory (ACI), and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) to a sample of 203 female university students aged 19-31 years (M = 23.29 years; SD= 3.74 years). The results showed no differences in the mean scores of ASRS, ACI, and negative self-esteem in the achievement levels among university students. In contrast, there was a positive direct relationship between ADHD, SCT, and negative self-esteem. SCT contributed significantly (by 40%), whereas self-esteem contributed by 6% in predicting ADHD among university students. The study highlighted the contribution of both negative self-esteem and SCT to predicting ADHD among Saudi university students to understand the nature of the disorder and its predictors. The findings of this study can be utilized to develop preventive programs for enhancing self-esteem and increasing attention among university students.   Received: 17 December 2020 / Accepted: 31 January 2021 / Published: 5 March 2021


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 225-229
Author(s):  
Aparna Patel ◽  
Jalpa Parikh

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-ADHD is a developmental nervous behavioural disorder mostly diagnosed in childhood and rarely in adults. Characteristic clinical features in adults are mainly, hyperactivity, attention deficit and impulsiveness instability in interpersonal relations and alcohol abuse which can cause poor occupational, academic and social performance in future. As ADHD is usually undiagnosed in adults because of its poor knowledge of the symptoms. Need of study is to see the prevalence of ADHD among individuals, as ADHD youth are at high risk of a wide range of adverse psychiatric outcomes. Methodology: This observational study was performed in 307 young female & male of all the fields aged between 18-24, according to Newman’s classification. The subjects were screened for ADHD by Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) which has two parts- inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. This questionnaire was sent through Google Form. Results: Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel 10th version. According to ASR Scale among 307, 5.53% were highly likely to have inattentiveness and 6.64% were highly likely to have hyper activeness and impulsiveness. In 207 females 6.28%, 5.79% were highly likely to be inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive and in 100 males 9%,4% were highly likely to be hyperactive/impulsive, inattentive. Conclusion: Total prevalence of Adult ADHD is 11.40%. Among all the participants, prevalence of ADHD for Part-A (Inattentive) is 5.53% and Part-B (Hyperactive/Impulsive) is 6.64%. Out of total, 0.977% got mixed symptoms of ADHD. Keywords: Young individuals, ASRS, Adult ADHD, Inattentive, Hyperactive, Impulsive.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 6042 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Bozzatello ◽  
Maria Laura De Rosa ◽  
Paola Rocca ◽  
Silvio Bellino

The usefulness of polyunsaturated fatty acids on inflammatory, cardiovascular, and the nervous system was studied in the last decades, but the mechanisms underlying their benefic properties are still partially unknown. These agents seem to express their action on the membrane phospholipid composition and permeability and modulation of second messenger cascades. In psychiatry, the efficacy and tolerability of omega-3 fatty acids were investigated in several psychiatric disorders, including major depression, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, high-risk conditions to develop psychosis, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism spectrum disorders. Initial findings in this field are promising, and some relevant questions need to be addressed. In particular, the effects of these agents on the main symptom dimensions have to be investigated in a trans-diagnostic perspective. The present systematic review is aimed to examine the available data on the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids on domains of psychotic symptoms, affective symptoms, impulsivity, and aggressiveness, and harmful behaviors, and suicide risk.


2004 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.H. Dowson ◽  
A. McLean ◽  
E. Bazanis ◽  
B. Toone ◽  
S. Young ◽  
...  

AbstractCharacteristics of DSM-IV attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults can also be found as part of other psychiatric disorders. This study investigated the specificity of adult ADHD features in relation to patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD), a syndrome which shares some of its intrinsic features with ADHD and often co-occurs with ADHD. A group of 20 adult patients selected on the basis of a diagnosis of ADHD and 20 patients selected on the basis of a diagnosis of BPD were assessed by the self-report Attention Deficit Scales for Adults (ADSA). The two groups were matched for age, verbal IQ and gender. Of the nine ADSA scales, seven showed significant inter-group differences, in particular involving attention, organisation and persistence. The ‘Consistency/Long-Term’ scale, which mainly reflects impaired task and goal persistence, was the best discriminator between the groups. Furthermore, ratings on this scale correlated significantly with the error score of a computer-administered task of spatial working memory, the performance of which has been reported to be impaired in patients with ADHD. The results provide further validation for the ADSA scales and support a previous claim that ‘long-term consistencies’, i.e., related to task and goal persistence, is ‘the centrepiece behavioural issue’ for adults with ADHD.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 256-267
Author(s):  
Renée L. Roelofs ◽  
Ellen Wingbermühle ◽  
Paul T. van der Heijden ◽  
Rosella Jonkers ◽  
Marieke de Haan ◽  
...  

Abstract This is the first controlled study regarding personality and psychopathology in adults with Noonan syndrome (NS). Anxiety, depression, alexithymia and symptoms of Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder, have been previously described in NS. More information regarding personality and psychopathology in NS could improve mental health care for this population. Therefore, scores on the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2-Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF), a widely used self-report questionnaire of personality and psychopathology, were compared between patients with NS (n = 18) and matched, healthy controls (n = 18). Furthermore, correlations between MMPI-2-RF scores and alexithymia, measured by the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, were investigated. Patients with NS showed significantly higher scores, with medium effect sizes, on MMPI-2-RF scales reflecting infrequent responses (F-r), somatic and cognitive complaints (FBS-r and RBS-r), internalizing problems (EID), demoralization (RCd) and introversion (INTR-r), although the overall profile in both groups was within the non-clinical range. Alexithymia correlated with internalizing problems and negative emotionality in the patient group. In conclusion, patients with NS showed higher levels of introversion, which may predispose them to internalizing problems. These problems were indeed more frequent in patients with NS, especially higher levels of demoralization. Patients may benefit from psychological interventions aimed to decrease internalizing problems, introversion and alexithymia.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document