Author:
Lebeña Andrea,Faresjö Åshild,Faresjö Tomas,Ludvigsson Johnny
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are childhood-onset disorders associated with functional and psychosocial impairments that may persist into adulthood, leading to serious personal and societal costs.
Objective
This study aimed to examine the socio-economic difficulties, physical and mental comorbidities, and psycho-social vulnerabilities associated with ADHD, ASD, and their co-occurrence among young adults.
Methods
16 365 families with children born 1997–1999, were involved in the prospective population-based ABIS study (All Babies in Southeast Sweden). A total of 6 233 ABIS young adults answered the questionnaire at the 17–19-year follow-up and were included in this case–control study. Diagnoses of ADHD and ASD from birth up to 17 years of age were obtained from the Swedish National Diagnosis Register. N=182 individuals received a single diagnosis of ADHD, n=78 of ASD, and n=51 received both diagnoses and were considered the co-occurrence group. Multiple multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results
In the univariate analyses all three conditions were significantly associated with concentration difficulties, worse health quality, lower socio-economic status, lower faith in the future, less control over life, and lower social support. In the adjusted analyses, individuals with ADHD were almost three-times more likely to have less money compared with their friends (aOR 2.86; p < .001), experienced worse sleep quality (aOR 1.50; p = .043) and concentration difficulties (aOR 1.96; p < .001). ASD group were two-fold more likely to experience concentration difficulties (aOR 2.35; p = .002) and tended not to have faith in the future (aOR .63; p = .055), however, showed lesser risk-taking bahaviours (aOR .40; p < .001). Finally, the co-occurrence was significantly associated with unemployment (aOR 2.64; p = .007) and tended to have a higher risk of autoimmune disorders (aOR 2.41; p = .051), however, showed a 51% lower risk of stomach pain (aOR .49; p = .030).
Conclusions
All these conditions significantly deteriorated several areas of life. ADHD/ASD co-occurrence is a heavy burden for health associated with several psychosocial vulnerabilities, that shared a similar morbidity pattern with ADHD although showed less risk cognitive and behavioral profile, similar to the ASD group. Long-term follow-up and support for individuals with these conditions over the life course are crucial.
Funder
County Council of Östergötland
Swedish Research Council
Swedish Child Diabetes Foundation
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
Wallenberg Foundation
Medical Research Council of Southeast Sweden
Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research
Östgöta Brandstodsbolag
Joanna Cocozza Foundation
Linköping University
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health