Adler LA, Faraone SV, Sarocco P, Atkins N, Khachatryan A. Establishing US norms for the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) and characterising symptom burden among adults with self-reported ADHD.
Int J Clin Pract 2019;
73:e13260. [PMID:
30239073 PMCID:
PMC6585602 DOI:
10.1111/ijcp.13260]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS
To estimate Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist normative total scores among the US adult general population and to evaluate overall attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom burden among US adults with ADHD.
METHODS
Prior 2012 and 2013 US National Health and Wellness Survey respondents were re-contacted. Demographics, comorbidities, and ASRS-v1.1 data were collected. ASRS-v1.1 scores were compared by sex, age, ADHD diagnosis, and ADHD medication use. Group differences were evaluated using chi-square tests and independent samples t-tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively.
RESULTS
Of 22 397 respondents, 465 self-reported being diagnosed with ADHD by a physician; of these, 174 self-reported using ADHD medication. The mean ASRS-v1.1 total score was 2.0 (SD = 3.2); scores differed by age and sex (all, P < 0.001). ADHD (vs no ADHD) was associated with depression (58.1% vs 18.0%), anxiety (53.1% vs 16.0%), and sleep difficulties (37.0% vs 14.0%) (all, P < 0.001). ADHD medication use (vs no use) was associated with depression (68.4% vs 51.9%), anxiety (67.2% vs 44.7%), panic disorder (25.9% vs 17.2%), and insomnia (27.6% vs 19.6%) (all, P < 0.05). ADHD (vs no ADHD) respondents scored higher on all 18 ASRS-v1.1 items (all, P < 0.05). Medication users (vs non-users) scored higher on six items (all, P < 0.05).
DISCUSSION
Adult ADHD may be undertreated or sub-optimally treated, despite a high symptom burden. Normative data will allow comparisons with individuals' scores to support the assessment of ADHD symptom burden among adults.
CONCLUSION
Findings highlight the importance of assessing ADHD symptom burden, especially among adults presenting with comorbidities.
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