Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in chronic fatigue syndrome patients.
Psychopathological disorders are frequent in chronic fatigue syndrome patients. The present study examines the presence of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a sample of adult chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) patients, and evaluates its clinical consequences in this population. CFS patients were assessed for childhood and adult ADHD by clinical interview and ADHD-specific scales. Psychopathological comorbidities were evaluated by clinical examination and questionnaires. Forty-seven of 158 CSF patients (29.7%) were diagnosed of childhood ADHD and in 33 (20.9%), the condition persisted into adulthood. CFS patients with adult ADHD had an earlier CSF onset, more severe anxiety and depression symptoms, and a higher risk of suicide than CFS patients without ADHD. Using lineal regression analysis, we found that depressive symptoms and ADHD severity were significant predictors of fatigue intensity. Consequently, ADHD may be common in CFS patients, and is associated with a more severe psychopathologic clinical profile.
Psychiatry and Legal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain. nasaez2@gmail.com
Naia
N
Sáez-Francàs
José
J
Alegre
Natalia
N
Calvo
José
J
Antonio Ramos-Quiroga
Eva
E
Ruiz
Jorge
J
Hernández-Vara
Miguel
M
Casas
D000328:Adult; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D015673:Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires