Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Symptoms and Psychosis: Epidemiological Evidence From a Population Survey in England

Abstract

IntroductionPsychosis and adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have shared attributes, but evidence that they are associated is sparse and inconsistent.ObjectivesWe tested hypotheses that 1] adult ADHD symptoms are associated with psychosis and individual psychotic symptoms 2] links between ADHD symptoms and psychosis are mediated by prescribed ADHD medications, use of illicit drugs, and dysphoric mood (depression and anxiety).MethodThe Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007 (N=7403) provided data for regression and multiple mediation analyses. ADHD symptoms were coded from the ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Dependent variables comprised auditory hallucinations, paranoid id..