Occupational outcome in adult ADHD: impact of symptom profile, comorbid psychiatric problems, and treatment: a cross-sectional study of 414 clinically diagnosed adult ADHD patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of symptom profile, comorbid psychiatric problems, and treatment on occupational outcome in adult ADHD patients.


METHODS
Adult ADHD patients (N = 414) responded to questionnaires rating past and present symptoms of ADHD, comorbid conditions, treatment history, and work status.


RESULTS
Of the patients, 24% reported being in work, compared to 79% in a population-based control group (N = 359). Combined subtype of ADHD, substance abuse, and a reported history of depression or anxiety were correlated with being out of work. Current and past medical treatment of ADHD was correlated with being in work. Logistic regression analyses showed that stimulant therapy during childhood was the strongest predictor for being in work as adults (odds ratio = 3.2, p = .014).


CONCLUSIONS
Early recognition and treatment of ADHD is a strong predictor of being in work as an adult, independently of comorbidity, substance abuse, and current treatment.
University of Bergen, Norway.
Anne
A
Halmøy
Ole Bernt
OB
Fasmer
Christopher
C
Gillberg
Jan
J
Haavik
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014478:Unemployment / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants