[Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adult psychiatry: Data on 12-month prevalence, risk factors and comorbidity].

AIMS AND

METHODS

To examine the 12-month prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidity of ADHD in a collective of adult psychiatric patients admitted to an open general ward in a psychiatric hospital in Schleswig-Holstein (Germany) over a period of one year (n = 166).

RESULTS

The 12-month prevalence of ADHD was 59.0 % (severe symptomatology: 33.1 %), high rates of comorbid disorders (92.9 % depression, 5.1 % bipolar disorder, 28.6 % anxiety disorder, 30.6 % emotional unstable (Borderline) personality disorder, 31.6 % avoidant personality disorder, 18.4 % dependent personality disorder, 25.5 % combined personality disorder, 10.2 % obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, 26.5 % PTSD, 25.5 % restless legs syndrome, 24.5 % adiposity, 11.2 % eating disorder, 45.9 % learning difficulty, 51.0 % nicotine dependency, 4.1 % alcohol dependency, 7.1 % illegal substance dependency), risk factors for ADHD, a high genetic risk (72.4 %) and problems in psychosocial functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the high prevalence of ADHD in hospitalized psychiatric patients, it is mandatory to examine these for the presence of ADHD using questionnaires and identify comorbid diseases.