Sense of Coherence is Associated with Functional Impairment in Individuals Diagnosed with ADHD

Abstract

Aims: People diagnosed with ADHD are in a higher risk for anti-social behaviors, substance abuse, emotional distress, and low happiness. It is necessary to know about factors that can predict the increased risk of these comorbidities as well as the protective factors that can be implemented therapeutically, for the purpose of reducing the risk of these functional impairments. Sense of coherence (SOC) was found to protect against various risk factors and health conditions. The present study examined whether SOC correlates with better functioning among adults and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. Methods: 468 participants aged 15-50, who reported being diagnosed with ADHD, answered an online survey that included validated questionnaires regarding SOC and functional impairment in the following domain: anti-social behaviors, substance abuse, emotional distress, and low happiness. Results: Participants who reported a higher SOC also reported lower functional impairments in all domains. The association between SOC and outcome variables was similar in both genders and in both adolescents and adults. Conclusions: SOC is central for predicting various functional impairments among individuals diagnosed with ADHD. These findings have practical implications for the detection of an at-risk subgroup within the ADHD population and may inform the development of interventions aimed at increasing SOC for people with ADHD. The findings should be further tested in longitudinal and intervention studies.