Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder traits are a more important predictor of internalising problems than autistic traits

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are both linked to internalising problems like anxiety and depression. ASD and ADHD also often co-occur, making their individual statistical contributions to internalising disorders difficult to investigate. To address this issue, we explored the unique associations of self-reported ASD traits and ADHD traits with internalising problems using a large general population sample of adults from the United Kingdom (N = 504, 49% male). Classical regression analyses indicated that both ASD traits and ADHD traits were uniquely associated with internalising problems. Dominance and Bayesian analyses confirmed that ADHD traits were a stronger, more important predictor of internalising problems. However, brief depression and anxiety measures may not provide a comprehensive index of internalising problems. Additionally, we focused on recruiting a sample that was representative of the UK population according to age and sex, but not ethnicity, a variable that may be linked to internalising disorders. Nevertheless, our findings indicate that while ASD and ADHD uniquely predict internalising problems, ADHD traits are a more important statistical predictor than ASD traits. We discuss potential mechanisms underlying this pattern of results and the implications for research and clinical practice concerning neurodevelopmental conditions.

A Female-Specific Treatment Group for ADHD—Description of the Programme and Qualitative Analysis of First Experiences

“…In fact, some researchers suggest a relation between this socialisation and the high prevalence of anxiety and depression in girls and women with ADHD [28,87]. ADHD is strongly associated with internalising problems [107], and women with ADHD have more internalising disorders [4] and a more pessimistic self-perception [8] than men. In the second session, we explore the possible consequences of masking from an early age.…”

A Female-Specific Treatment Group for ADHD – Description of the Programme and Qualitative Analysis of First Experiences

“…In fact, some researchers suggest a relation between this socialisation and the high prevalence of anxiety and depression in girls and women with ADHD [16,88]. ADHD is strongly associated with internalising problems [107], and women with ADHD have more internalising disorders [5], and a more pessimistic self-perception [37] than men. In the second session, we explore possible consequences of masking from an early age.…”

Training and specialisation of psychiatrists in ADHD

“…3,4,7 ADHD traits are a stronger, more important predictor of internalising problems, such as anxiety and depression, than autistic traits. 8 As many as 90% of ADHD adults have comorbid psychiatric disorders and ADHD symptoms are often mistaken for comorbid disorders. 4,7 However ADHD is frequently undiagnosed – fewer than 20% of adults with ADHD are diagnosed and/or treated.…”