ADHD symptoms are differentially related to specific aspects of quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationships between ADHD symptoms and specific domains of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) mental component.


METHODS
A sample of 149 adults participated in the study. Data were collected from the participant's medical records and from self-report questionnaires. Multiple regression analyses were applied to identify predictors of the SF-36 mental component outcomes.


RESULTS
The sample was highly impaired in terms of low health-related quality of life on all SF-36 mental component scales. The ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) inattentiveness was the strongest predictor of vitality and the only significant predictor of role-emotional outcome. The ASRS hyperactivity/impulsivity was the strongest predictor of social function and the only predictor of mental health outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Inattentiveness and hyperactivity/impulsivity were differentially related to specific quality-of-life domains. Inattentiveness was significantly predicting vitality and role-emotional outcomes, and hyperactivity/impulsivity predicted social function and mental health outcomes.
Helse Nord-Trondelag Kirkegata, Levanger, Norway bgjervan@gmail.com.
Bjørn
B
Gjervan
St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
Terje
T
Torgersen
St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
Kirsten
K
Rasmussen
Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
Hans Morten
HM
Nordahl
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D057566:Self Report; D012917:Social Adjustment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult