ADHD and associated psychopathology in older adults in a German community sample

Abstract

Attention defcit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is still a neglected disorder in older adults. The aim of the present study was to examine the prevalence and symptomatology of ADHD and associated psychopathology in adults aged 40–80 years in a German community sample. We examined 539 participants in two age groups: (1) 40–59 years old (n=256) and (2) 60–80 years old (n=283). To assess ADHD in both childhood and adulthood as well as current psychopathological impairments, we used self-report instruments and corresponding observer reports. We examined group diferences between age groups and between ADHD and non-ADHD groups. The prevalence of ADHD in the total sample was 2.6% with no signifcant diferences between the two age groups (40–59 years: 3.1% vs. 60–80 years: 2.1%). Although diferences emerged in impulsivity/emotional lability and self-concept problems, overall ADHD symptom ratings did not difer between the age groups. The ADHD group showed more psychopathological peculiarities compared to individuals without ADHD with medium-to-large efect sizes. Self-reports and observer reports showed good concordance in the assessment of ADHD and comorbid psychopathological symptoms. Regarding current ADHD symptomatology, in 92.1%, self-report was corroborated by observer's information. Our fndings underline that ADHD symptoms are relevant across the lifespan. Augmenting selfreports with observer reports could increase the assessment quality of ADHD. For successful treatment, clinicians should also focus on additional psychopathological impairments and comorbidities in older adults with ADHD.