Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adult patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): is ADHD a vulnerability factor?
OBJECTIVE
There is limited evidence suggesting a link between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study examined the association between PTSD and ADHD using retrospective and current clinical evaluations.


METHODS
Twenty-five male veterans with PTSD and 22 male veterans with panic disorder were evaluated for ADHD. The data was analyzed using chi-square and student's t-tests.


RESULTS
Thirty-six percent of participants with PTSD and 9% of participants with panic disorder met criteria for childhood ADHD. Twenty-eight percent of participants with PTSD and 5% of participants with panic disorder met criteria for current ADHD.


CONCLUSIONS
There appears to be a significant association of PTSD with ADHD. ADHD or common predisposing factors may increase the vulnerability for developing PTSD.
Adler
L A
LA
New York University School of Medicine, NY 10016, USA. lenard.adler@med.nyu.edu
Kunz
M
M
Chua
H C
HC
Rotrosen
J
J
Resnick
S G
SG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*