Prevalence and correlates of adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: meta-analysis

✍ Scribed by Simon, V.; Czobor, P.; Balint, S.; Meszaros, A.; Bitter, I.

• Book ID: 125536695
• Publisher: The Royal College of Psychiatrists
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 348 KB
• Volume: 194
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0007-1250
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.107.048827

✦ Synopsis

Background

In spite of the growing literature about adult attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), relatively little is known about the
prevalence and correlates of this disorder.

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of adult ADHD and to identify its demographic
correlates using meta-regression analysis.

Method

We used the MEDLINE, PsycLit and EMBASE databases as well as
hand-searching to find relevant publications.

Results

The pooled prevalence of adult ADHD was 2.5% (95% CI 2.1–3.1). Gender and
mean age, interacting with each other, were significantly related to
prevalence of ADHD. Metaregression analysis indicated that the proportion
of participants with ADHD decreased with age when men and women were
equally represented in the sample.

Conclusions

Prevalence of ADHD in adults declines with age in the general population.
We think, however, that the unclear validity of DSM–IV diagnostic
criteria for this condition can lead to reduced prevalence rates by
underestimation of the prevalence of adult ADHD.