Abstract
Ongoing debate over the validity of the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) construct in adulthood is fueled in part by uncertainty regarding implications of potentially extensive yet incompletely described comorbid Axis I and II psychopathology. Three hundred sixty-three adults ages 18 to 37 completed semistructured clinical interviews; informants were also interviewed, and best estimate diagnoses were obtained. Results were as follows: First, ADHD combined type (ADHD-C) had an excess of externalizing and internalizing Axis I disorders, suggesting a gradient-of-severity relationship between it and ADHD inattentive type (ADHD-I). Second, ADHD-C and ADHD-I did not differ in frequency of Axis II disorders. Third, however, ADHD overall was associated with increased rates of Axis II disorders, compared with rates in non-ADHD control participants, including both Cluster B (primarily borderline personality disorder) and Cluster C disorders. Fourth, ADHD incrementally accounted for clinician-rated global assessment of functioning scores above and beyond comorbid conditions or symptoms on either Axis I or Axis II. Results further inform nosology of ADHD in adults.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 519-528 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Abnormal Psychology |
Volume | 116 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- DSM-IV subtypes
- attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- comorbidity
- functional impairment
- personality disorders
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Biological Psychiatry