ADHD symptomatology and its relationship with emotional, social and delinquency problems

The main objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a number of comorbid problems (i.e. poor socialization, anxiety, depression, and antisocial behaviour). Participants were clinical referrals for assessment of ADHD in adulthood and normal controls. ADHD adults were compared on measures of comorbid problems with: (a) individuals with mild psychiatric disorders (including attention problems) who were referred for an assessment of ADHD, but did not meet the criteria; and (b) a healthy control group. In addition, scores obtained on the comorbid measures were correlated with the YAQ-S and YAQ-I self- and parent-reported scales of ADHD Symptomatology, Emotional Problems, and Social Functioning. The ADHD group was more impaired than the normal controls on all the comorbid measures. Measures of socialization, anxiety, and antisocial behaviour differentiated them from normal controls and the clinical controls. There was a moderately high correlation between the YAQ-S and YAQ-I Delinquency Scale and the number of antisocial behaviours reported in the last year. Future research into ADHD, at least in adults, should include the investigation of potential importance of general adjustment problems rather than impulsivity per se and its relationship with offending.