A study conducted by the Karolinska Institutet, in Sweden, had the aim to investigate the potential links between ADHD and a variety of physical illnesses in adults. You can find the full story here: Adult ADHD is linked to numerous physical conditions, study finds
According the NHS, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disease that affects children and adults. Individuals suffering from this condition can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse. There is no cure, but treatment can help alleviate symptoms and make ADHD less of a burden in their daily life. You can read more about ADHD here: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Karolinska Institutet researchers looked at probable links between ADHD and a variety of physical illnesses in adults, as well as whether hereditary or environmental factors play a role.
More than four million individuals (full-sibling and maternal half-sibling pairs) born between 1932-1995 were identified through Swedish registers and observed between 1973-2013. It was examined the risk of 35 different physical conditions in individuals suffering with ADHD compared to those who don’t, and in siblings of people with ADHD compared to siblings of those without.
Results showed that those who had ADHD had a statistically higher risk of suffering from all conditions tested, apart from arthritis. Researchers found associations with ADHD to be stronger with nervous system, respiratory, musculoskeletal, and metabolic diseases. Nonetheless, some conditions were more strongly associated with ADHD, and these include alcohol-related liver disease, sleep disorders, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), epilepsy, fatty liver disease and obesity.
Lead author Ebba Du Rietz commented: “Identifying co-occurring physical diseases may have important implications for treating adults with ADHD and for benefiting the long-term health and quality of life of patients”.
Researchers explained that, with the exception of nervous system disorders and age-related diseases, the higher risk was primarily explained by underlying genetic variables that contributed to both ADHD and the physical disease. The risk of most physical problems was considerably higher in full siblings of those with ADHD.
If you are someone struggling with ADHD, please contact us at Salus Wellness Clinics for free advice and to explore possible solutions we can offer.