Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Medical Residents in the University Hospital

Abstract

Objective: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common during childhood and can persist into adulthood. Adult ADHD is often under-recognized, which can lead to an increased risk of functional impairment and comorbidity. This study investigated the prevalence of adult ADHD in medical residents and the association between adult ADHD and functional impairment.Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study focused on medical residents recruited from each department of Srinagarind Hospital from July 2023 to July 2024. Tools including the ADHD self-reporting scale (ASRS-v.1.1) screener Thai version, which consists of 6 items, and the Weiss functional impairment rating scale (WFIRS) Thai version were used for screening adult ADHD symptoms and for assessing functional impairment in 7 domains: family, work, school, life skills, self-concept, social, and risk.Results: Overall, 103 medical residents were recruited (mean age 27.4 years; 50.5% female). Based on the cutoffs of the scales, 22.3% of the medical residents were likely to have adult ADHD symptoms. The most prevalent impairment in adult ADHD was in life skills, and the highest impairment score was in self-concept. The study found that medical residents with ADHD experienced functional impairment in work, school, life skills, self-concept, and risk. These findings indicated significant statistical differences when compared to those without ADHD.Conclusion: The prevalence of adult ADHD among medical residents in this study was 22.3%. Adult ADHD impacts multiple aspects of life. Thus, early treatment of adult ADHD in medical residents will also reduce consequent risks