Prevalence and Psychosocial Correlates of ADHD Symptoms in Young Adulthood: A French Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVE

The scientific literature suggests that ADHD in adulthood is associated with a considerable psychosocial burden. However, most knowledge in this area relies on studies conducted in the United States or in North European nations, thereby limiting generalization to other countries.

METHOD

We assessed the psychosocial correlates of ADHD symptoms in a French community-based sample. Data came from 1,214 community-based young adults (18-35 years) and their parents (Trajectoires Epidémiologiques en Population and GAZEL studies). ADHD symptoms and socioeconomic and psychosocial correlates were assessed in a telephone interview. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations.

RESULTS

A total of 7.1% of the sample presented high levels of ADHD symptoms. Parental history of anxiety, dissatisfaction with love life, and consumption of tobacco were associated with the highest odds ratios.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the high functional impairment associated with adult ADHD symptoms in a French community sample. It extends the existing literature to family risk correlates and individual well-being correlates.