Studies have shown that both Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have links to internalizing problems like depression and anxiety. However, a recent study suggests that those with ADHD may be at a higher risk of poor mental health than individuals with other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Characteristics
ASD is a developmental disability that is caused by differences within the brain. Individuals with ASD usually have problems with social communication and interaction. They also have restricted or repetitive interests or interests. Additionally, those with ASD may have different ways of paying attention, moving, or learning. There are some people who suffer from these issues on a daily bases. However, these characteristics can make life extremely challenging for those with ASD.
ADHD Characteristics
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder presents itself differently in adults than in children. It is a mental health disorder that includes a combination of persistent problems, such as impulsive behavior, paying attention, and hyperactivity. This can lead to poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, unstable relationships, and other problems.
A few symptoms include:
- Problems following through and completing tasks.
- Excessive activity or restlessness.
- Low frustration tolerance.
- Frequent mood swings.
- Poor planning.
- Trouble coping with stress.
- Hot temper.
- Trouble multitasking.
- Poor time management skills.
- Problems focusing on a task.
- Disorganization and problems prioritizing.
Recent Study
Scientists had already discovered that autism is linked to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Researchers in the United Kingdom were interested in seeing if this was true for patients with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. They examined over 500 adults to see if their hypothesis was correct.
The researchers studied a sample of people by age and sex with 49% being male. However, they did not examine them by ethnicity which could already be linked to internalizing disorders.
In their research, scientists discovered that ADHD and ASD have unique characteristics that predict internalized issues. However, those with ADHD traits are a more important statistical predictor than those with ASD.
Complicated Matters
Both mental disorders are associated with other health issues like sleeping problems and they can lower the quality of life for those who suffer from these neurodevelopmental conditions. However, there is a far greater emphasis on ASD over ADHD in both clinical trials and research on internalizing problems.
To complicate matters more, ADHD and ASD often coincide/ Experts estimate roughly 28% of autistic individuals also have Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Additionally, the similarities between the two diagnoses make it especially difficult to examine their relative contributions to internalizing problems.
In the Beginning
In the beginning, doctors were taught that children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder outgrew it as they got older. However, experts have established this is not the case. Dr. Andrew Cutler stated it estimated that ADHD “persists from childhood into adulthood about 50% to 60% of the time.”
A study conducted by Dr. Cutler’s colleagues showed “When you follow adults over time, over several years, you find is that 90% of these children have persistent ADHD into adulthood.”
Brigit H. Amann, M.D. P.L.L.C., stated there are adults who have “never been considered for a diagnosis of” Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Adding, “If you listen to their story, they talk about, ‘I’ve had a very difficult time in my various jobs over the years. I’ve had a terrible time with relationships.'”
Often times adults present with depression, substance abuse, and anxiety. It can take numerous years for them to be diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is why experts feel more research and funding needs to be conducted.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
HCP Live: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders in Pediatric and Adult Populations
CDC: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Mayo Clinic: Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Nature: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder traits are a more important predictor of internalising problems than autistic traits
CBS News: Study finds those with ADHD are more likely to experience anxiety, depression
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Inset Image by PlusLexia Courtesy of Jesper Sehested Pluslexia.com‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
