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ADHD, ASD Traits Indicate Internalizing Problems, Depression, Anxiety
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits predict more internalizing problems, such as anxiety and depression, according to a study published in Scientific Reports.
“Our finding that ADHD traits dominated ASD traits in predicting internalizing disorder symptoms could inform strategies to identify individuals who are at an increased risk of internalizing problems,” lead author Luca D. Hargitai, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, United Kingdom (UK), noted. “The management of ADHD traits in adults, with or without ASD, has potential to reduce internalizing problems, which could supplement clinical interventions directly targeting anxiety and depression (e.g., anti-depressant medications, talking therapies).”
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Researchers used a large general population sample of adults in the UK, of which 49% were male. Participants took the Short Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ-Short) and Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) and Depression Module of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to gauge anxiety and depression symptoms in the 2 weeks prior to the study
Of 504 participants, regression analyses showed both ASD and ADHD traits were associated with internalizing problems, with ADHD traits being more powerful predictors. The 2 most correlated disorders were anxiety (ASD: r = 0.28, p < 0.001; ADHD: r = 0.56, p < 0.001) and depression (ASD: r = 0.33, p < 0.001; ADHD: r = 0.55, p < 0.001).
“While further research is necessary to replicate these findings and elucidate mechanisms that underpin the observed relationships, our study provides important new evidence linking neurodevelopmental conditions and mental health in adulthood,” researchers concluded.
